: Precious metals are attracting investors' interest, although gold has long been the go-to, silver, platinum, and palladium are rapidly gaining acceptance as attractive portfolio additions. Precious metals are different from stocks and bonds, and they are valuable for diversification purposes, but they can also challenge an investor's risk tolerance, as per a report. Each of the three metals has a unique function both in industry and investment. Knowing how they are applied and what risks they carry can a ...

Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF TodaySCHDSchwab US Dividend Equity ETF$27.10 -0.11 (-0.40%) 52-Week Range$23.87▼$29.72Dividend Yield3.80%Assets Under Management$71.29 billionAdd to WatchlistFinancial markets are all about rotation. Not all assets move together, and money constantly shifts based on where investors see the best balance of risk and reward. With the Federal Reserve cutting rates in September 2025, many expect high-yielding assets to gain traction in the coming months. One of the most popular des ...

Core Viewpoint - The current macroeconomic environment is characterized by potential inflation risks driven by tariff policies, suggesting that fixed income investors should consider treasury-inflation protected securities (TIPS) ETFs as a defensive strategy [1][2]. Group 1: Fund Analysis - The Vanguard Total Inflation-Protected Securities ETF (VTP) and the Vanguard Short-Term Inflation-Protected Securities ETF (VTIP) are highlighted as effective tools for managing inflation risk, especially in light of rising inflation expectations due to tariff policies [2][3]. - VTP aims to provide returns that align closely with realized inflation by investing in TIPS with intermediate and long-term maturities, offering greater yield potential while maintaining inflation protection [3][4]. - VTIP focuses on TIPS with short-term maturities of less than five years, which helps mitigate additional rate risk [3][4]. Group 2: Cost and Transparency - Both VTP and VTIP are cost-effective options for inflation protection, with expense ratios of 0.05% and 0.03% respectively [4]. - The ETFs provide greater transparency compared to holding individual bonds, allowing investors to better track TIPS exposure [5]. Group 3: Price Dynamics - The value of ETFs changes in real-time based on market conditions, unlike individual TIPS, which do not reflect price changes until sold before maturity [6][7]. - This real-time pricing mechanism of ETFs allows for more frequent updates on value, providing a clearer picture of investment performance [6][7].

Core Canadian Equity ETFs - The Canadian stock market is heavily influenced by financials and energy sectors, leading to a lack of diversification [1][7] - The TSX Composite Index, which includes 300 of the largest publicly traded companies in Canada, is the most popular index for capturing the Canadian stock market [5] - The TSX 60 Index, which holds 60 of the largest companies, is another significant index, with a similar sector allocation to the TSX Composite [8][18] Performance Analysis - The iShares Core S&P/TSX Capped Composite Index ETF (XIC) rose 4.95% in August, outperforming the average Canadian equity fund which gained 3.61% [16] - Over the past year, XIC increased by 25.77%, compared to the average fund's 21.35% [16] - The iShares S&P/TSX 60 Index ETF (XIU) rose 4.79% in August and has climbed 24.51% over the past year, also outperforming the average fund [17] Sector Exposure and Investment Strategy - XIC is considered more diversified than XIU due to its greater exposure to materials and less reliance on financials [11] - The materials sector, including gold and mining stocks, is seen as inflation-friendly, particularly during periods of economic uncertainty [13] - Canadian banks have historically outperformed many other sectors, but caution is advised against over-concentration in financials [7][18] Additional ETF Options - Vanguard's Canadian High Dividend ETF (VDY) increases financials concentration beyond that of XIU and has outperformed the TSX 60 by about 1% annually [19] - iShares Canadian Quality Dividend ETF (XDIV) focuses on quality stocks and includes defensive utilities, providing a concentrated portfolio of 20 stocks [20] - BMO's Low Volatility ETF (ZLB) is favored for its defensive approach and historical outperformance with less volatility [21]

Core Insights - Gold has emerged as a safe haven asset, doubling in value over the past three years, attracting more investors amid geopolitical turbulence, and experiencing increased analyst price targets as the Federal Reserve prepares for potential rate cuts [1] Price Performance - Gold prices have surged over 40% this year, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's 10% gain and bitcoin's 20% increase, indicating a strong demand for the precious metal [2] Economic Context - The rise in gold prices reflects a negative economic sentiment, as it typically serves as a barometer of financial turmoil, with investors seeking refuge in gold during uncertain times [3] - The current economic landscape features a record high for tech stocks, yet gold's peak is occurring simultaneously, suggesting a complex relationship between different asset classes [4] Interest Rates and Market Dynamics - Anticipation of lower interest rates, potentially as a response to a struggling labor market, has energized markets, making gold more attractive compared to risk-free investments [6] - The post-pandemic political climate has disrupted traditional alliances and increased tensions, prompting investors to hedge against US assets [7] Currency and Inflation - The US dollar has faced significant losses, with the first half of 2025 marking its largest decline since 1973, leading to increased pressure on the currency and enhancing gold's appeal as a hedge against inflation and currency devaluation [8]

Investment Opportunity - Crypto has potential for big long‑term gains [1] Risk Consideration - Crypto may provide inflation protection [1] Question Posed - Asks whether crypto belongs in your retirement portfolio [1]

Core Viewpoint - Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. (NYSE: BIP) is highlighted as a strong investment option for those seeking income, stable growth, and inflation protection, despite not being as prominent in the headlines as companies like Nvidia or Tesla [1]. Group 1: Company Overview - BIP owns and operates a diverse range of assets including toll roads, pipelines, utilities, and data centers globally, which contribute to its stable income generation [1]. Group 2: Investment Characteristics - The company is characterized by steady growth in revenue, earnings, and free cash flow, making it attractive for investors looking for reliable returns [1]. - BIP is noted for having excellent growth prospects and favorable valuations, appealing to investors who prioritize these factors in their investment decisions [1]. - The company is also recognized for its high free cash flow margins, dividend payments, and share repurchase programs, which enhance its investment appeal [1].

Group 1 - REITs are essential for income-based strategies and portfolios, providing durable current income, inflation protection, and gradual price appreciation [1] Group 2 - Roberts Berzins has over a decade of experience in financial management, focusing on shaping financial strategies for top-tier corporates and executing large-scale financings [2] - Berzins has contributed to institutionalizing the REIT framework in Latvia to enhance liquidity in pan-Baltic capital markets [2] - His work includes developing national SOE financing guidelines and frameworks for channeling private capital into affordable housing [2]

Core Viewpoint - The stock market has experienced significant volatility, with the S&P 500 down nearly 13% and the Nasdaq down almost 17%, primarily due to recession concerns driven by tariffs. Amid this environment, investing in resilient companies like Enterprise Products Partners (EPD) can help protect portfolios during market downturns [1][2]. Group 1: Recession Resistance - Enterprise Products Partners is one of the largest energy midstream companies in the U.S., operating critical infrastructure for energy commodities, which tends to have stable demand even during economic downturns [3]. - The company has a demand-based business model, with most assets under long-term, fixed-rate contracts or government-regulated rate structures, ensuring consistent cash flows that are resilient during recessions [4]. Group 2: Inflation Protection - Concerns about stagflation due to tariffs are mitigated by Enterprise Products Partners' business model, as approximately 90% of its long-term contracts include escalation provisions that protect cash flow from inflation [5]. Group 3: Financial Profile - Enterprise Products Partners has a strong financial profile, being the only midstream energy company with an A-rated credit, allowing it to borrow at lower costs and better terms compared to competitors [7]. - The company maintains a low leverage ratio of 3.1, providing financial flexibility to capitalize on opportunities during downturns [8]. Group 4: Cash Distributions - The company generates resilient, inflation-protected cash flows, enabling it to offer a distribution yield of 7.2%, significantly higher than the S&P 500's yield of less than 1.5% [9]. - Enterprise Products Partners has raised its distribution payment for 26 consecutive years, demonstrating the durability of its business model through various economic cycles [10]. - The company has $7.6 billion in major capital projects under construction, with $6 billion expected to enter commercial service this year, which will support future distribution growth [11].

Acquisition Overview - Alphabet is planning to acquire cloud security company Wiz for $32 billion, marking the largest acquisition in its history [3][4] - The initial offer was $22 billion last summer, indicating a significant increase in valuation due to Wiz's strong market position and potential IPO considerations [3][4] Financial Implications - The acquisition will be an all-cash deal, utilizing part of Alphabet's substantial cash reserves, which are approximately $100 billion [5][10] - Wiz generated $350 million in recurring revenue in 2023 and is projected to reach $1 billion in 2025, resulting in a valuation of 32 times its sales [10] Strategic Rationale - The acquisition aligns with Alphabet's strategy to enhance its cloud business, an area where it has lagged behind competitors like Amazon and Microsoft [8][9] - Wiz's technology will support Alphabet's multi-cloud strategy, providing enhanced security for cloud data and mitigating risks associated with AI and large language models [5][6] Market Position - Alphabet's cloud revenue has grown from $9 billion in 2019 to $43 billion in 2024, indicating a strong upward trajectory despite previous lagging performance [9] - The acquisition is expected to bolster Alphabet's competitive position in the cloud computing market, which is increasingly important for its overall business strategy [8][9] Industry Context - The cybersecurity sector is experiencing rapid growth, with companies like Wiz at the forefront of providing essential services for cloud security [11] - The increasing importance of cybersecurity solutions is reflected in the market's willingness to pay premium valuations for companies that can offer innovative protection against evolving threats [11]