Mackenzie Investments Bites & Insights

In this episode, Michael Williamson, Portfolio Manager of the Multi-Asset Strategies Team, explores why traditional sector rotation may no longer fit today’s complex markets. He explains how blurred sector lines call for a new framework to assess economic sensitivity and introduces Mackenzie’s Cyclical Tilt and Defensive Tilt ETFs as innovative tools for smarter portfolio positioning.  This episode was recorded on August 14, 2025.

In this episode, Dustin Reid, Chief Fixed Income Strategist, shares his insights on two key macro developments that could reshape the Fed’s policy trajectory: July’s softer-than-expected US CPI print and significant downward revisions to recent job numbers. Dustin explains why these data points have prompted several Fed officials to warm to the idea of a September rate cut, and how tariff-related inflation, slowing private payrolls, and shifting rate expectations are influencing markets. This episode was recorded on August 13, 2025.

In this episode, Lesley Marks, Chief Investment Officer of Equities, discusses the equity market's surprising resilience, driven by strong corporate earnings, sustained buybacks, and market optimism around potential Fed rate cuts. She explores risks beneath the surface: stretched US valuations, a near-zero equity risk premium, and the concentration in mega-cap tech stocks. Lesley also touches on quality factors in corporate earnings, recent US and Canadian jobs data, and how evolving trade dynamics could shape the economic outlook ahead.  This episode was recorded on August 11, 2025.

In this episode, Dustin Reid, Chief Fixed Income Strategist, discusses the Fed's decision to hold rates, emphasizing Chair Powell's unexpectedly hawkish tone and the rare dissent among governors. He also examines the Bank of Canada's shifting stance on core inflation, subdued Q2 growth expectations, and the added uncertainty posed by Canada-US trade negotiations. Dustin outlines the team's current portfolio strategy, including a structurally weaker US dollar view, tactical duration positioning across regions, and selective emerging market exposure – particularly in Mexico and Brazil.    This episode was recorded on July 31, 2025. 

In this episode, Matt Goodwin, Head of Fixed Income Product Strategy, discusses how advisors can navigate persistent market volatility through strategic use of liquidity tools, short-term fixed income, and inflation-protected ETFs. He examines the shifting role of cash in portfolio construction and outlines the advantages of active management in short-duration credit. Matt also provides a framework for building resilient liquidity sleeves that can adapt to evolving market conditions. With heightened volatility, uneven rate expectations, and inflation that remains stubbornly elevated, today's environment demands a more deliberate and dynamic approach to liquidity.    This episode was recorded on July 22, 2025. 

In this episode, Arup Datta, Head of the Mackenzie Global Quantitative Equity Team, discusses the newly launched US Alpha Extension fund and Canada-focused strategies designed to bring institutional quantitative investing to retail investors. He explains why Canadian and international markets offer compelling alpha potential and outlines how the team’s all-weather investment process – grounded in value, growth, and quality factors – seeks to deliver consistent alpha across market cycles. Arup also shares how AI and machine learning is enhancing the team’s stock selection process, and he reflects on the strong performance and emerging value opportunities in US large caps.  This episode was recorded on July 2, 2025.

In this episode, Konstantin Boehmer, Portfolio Manager and Head of Fixed Income, shares his outlook on central bank policy heading into the summer. He discusses the Fed's cautious stance as it navigates persistent inflation and slowing growth, highlighting the critical role of labour market data in shaping future decisions. Konstantin also examines the evolving market perception of the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” explaining why fiscal concerns may be overstated and how bond markets are adjusting. Finally, he explores the potential for future rate cuts by the Bank of Canada and flags key risks on the horizon, from rising geopolitical tensions to renewed tariff pressures. This episode was recorded on June 19, 2025.

In this episode, Laurent Boukobza, ETF Strategist at Mackenzie Investments, discusses how covered call and active international equity ETFs are being used to generate income and manage risk amid higher rates and global uncertainty. He shares insights on the benefits of Canadian-listed active ETF strategies, the case for international diversification, and best practices for evaluating ETF liquidity.  This episode was recorded on June 16, 2025.

In this episode, Dustin Reid, Chief Fixed Income Strategist, provides a timely analysis of recent US fiscal and monetary policy developments. Dustin examines the Fed's decision to hold rates steady while highlighting ongoing debates around economic growth, inflation pressures, and the impact of tariffs. He also provides an update on the "One Big Beautiful Bill" explaining how the Congressional Budget Office's relatively deficit-neutral score has helped ease concerns in the bond market. Finally, Dustin shares his views on the growing concerns surrounding the US dollar's safe-haven status amid rising fiscal imbalances and geopolitical risks.    This episode was recorded on June 19, 2025. 

In this episode, Shah Khan, Portfolio Manager and Co-Lead of the Mackenzie Bluewater Team, discusses the implications of market concentration in US mega-cap tech and Canada's resource-heavy sectors. He outlines how his team's disciplined, quality-focused strategy that emphasizes durable growth businesses, positions them to navigate economic slowdowns effectively. Shah also shares insights into the team's buy/sell framework, the evolving role of AI in portfolio construction, and why he maintains a cautious stance on the Canadian consumer amid elevated debt levels and persistent interest pressures.  This episode was recorded on June 12, 2025. 

In this episode, Lesley Marks, Chief Investment Officer, unpacks the latest developments in US-China trade relations and offers her perspective on the progress of key trade agreements. She also discusses the contentious "big, beautiful bill" and explores its potential impact on capital markets and the broader economy. Finally, Lesley shares her outlook for the US and Canadian economies in the second half of the year, highlighting the key risks and reasons for cautious optimism.    This episode was recorded on June 12, 2025. 

ETF investing involves far more than just the MER. In this episode, Markus Otema, Executive Director at CIBC Capital Markets, discusses the often-overlooked drivers of ETF trading costs and their impact on trade execution. He explains how bid-ask spreads can fluctuate based on ETF pricing and market conditions and explores the structural mechanisms that influence ETF costs and liquidity. Markus also shares his best practices for trading ETFs, including the significance of understanding the ETF’s underlying assets and the potential pitfalls of trading during periods of market volatility. This episode was recorded on May 22, 2025.

In this episode, Caroline Edwards, Senior Client Portfolio Manager at Putnam Investments, offers a comprehensive overview of the newly launched Mackenzie US Value Fund. She explains the fund’s investment philosophy, which centers on a relative value approach to stock selection and details the team’s bottom-up idea generation process – an approach that combines fundamental and qualitative research to build a well-diversified and resilient opportunity set. Caroline also explains how the fund serves as a strong complement to the Mackenzie US All Cap Growth Fund, a strategy that Putnam has successfully managed for Mackenzie for over a decade. This episode was recorded on May 16, 2025.

In this episode, Matt Moody, Portfolio Manager and Head of the Mackenzie Ivy Team, shares how the team has been navigating today’s volatile markets with a disciplined, quality-first approach. He explains why Ivy’s long-term investment approach tends to shine during periods of market volatility, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the quality of the businesses the team invests in, rather than trying to predict short-term market movements. Matt also reflects on Warren Buffett’s decision to retire from Berkshire Hathaway and how his departure may impact the company’s future. This episode was recorded on May 9, 2025.

In this episode, Dustin Reid, Chief Fixed Income Strategist, provides his key takeaways from the latest FOMC meeting, offering insights into the Fed's stance on interest rates, inflation, and economic growth. He also examines ongoing trade discussions, specifically recent developments between the US and UK, and how tariffs have been impacting market sentiment and risk appetite. Finally, Dustin shares his perspectives on the significance of Prime Minister Carney's visit to the White House and what it may signal for Canadian-US relations going forward.    This episode was recorded on May 8, 2025. 

In this episode, Will Aldridge, Portfolio Manager and co-lead of the North American Equity and Income Team, and Tim Johal, lead portfolio manager of the Mackenzie Canadian Dividend Fund, discuss the post-election outlook and sentiment towards Canadian equities. Despite near-term volatility, Will explains why the outlook for Canadian equities remains positive, driven by strong fundamentals and opportunities in sectors such as gold and banking. Tim also highlights the potential of Canada's natural resources, particularly natural gas, and the regulatory challenges that need to be addressed. They also touch on the valuation and outlook for Canadian banks as a proxy for the Canadian economy.      This episode was recorded on May 2, 2025. 

In this episode, Richard Wong, Portfolio Manager and Lead of the Mackenzie Cundill Team, discusses how higher interest rates and persistent inflation could benefit value stocks over growth stocks. He explains how ongoing volatility has the potential to create a complex but rewarding environment for value investors, highlighting opportunities in sectors such as European cyclicals and technology. Richard explores the implications of Germany's substantial stimulus package and how it could benefit European industrials. Finally, Richard provides a detailed look at his investment philosophy, reiterating the importance of valuation and catalysts in stock selection.    This episode was recorded on April 25, 2025. 

In this episode, Lesley Marks, Chief Investment Officer of Equities, discusses the recent tensions between President Trump and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, focusing on Trump's fluctuating stance on interest rates and its economic implications. She provides insights into the ongoing trade war with China, explaining its impact on consumers and businesses, and emphasizes the importance of de-escalating tensions. Lesley also covers the upcoming Canadian federal election and how the outcome could influence trade relations with the US.    This episode was recorded on April 24, 2025. 

In this episode, Tiffany Zhang, Vice President of ETFs and Financial Products Research at National Bank Financial, explores key trends in the ETF markets in Canada and the US, cross-border ETF investment considerations, and the case for buying Canadian. She discusses the growing popularity of active ETFs and what's been driving this momentum in Canada. Tiffany also discusses the implications of investing in US-based ETFs, highlighting important tax and currency considerations.  This episode was recorded on April 17, 2025. 

In this episode, Dustin Reid, Chief Fixed Income Strategist, discusses the current market volatility driven by trade tensions, tariffs, and changing economic regimes. Dustin examines the Bank of Canada's decision to hold interest rates at 2.75% and how the upcoming Canadian election may influence fiscal policies and potential rate cuts in the future. He also examines recent changes in US trade policy surrounding tariffs, the escalating tensions between the US and China, and potential for stagflation. Additionally, Dustin shares recent updates to the team’s fixed income positioning.    This episode was recorded on April 16, 2025.