A close-up external view of the old Toronto Stock Exchange building

Let’s revisit the basics of investing in stocks

Investing for Fun and Profit: Three ways to invest, three culprits for poor performance — and three antidotes

This week we’re looking at the advantages and disadvantages of the three main ways to invest in stocks, as a path to achieve higher returns compared to cash, GICs or bonds. As investment vehicles go, pension funds are out of control of their individual investors, so let’s quickly move the discussion to areas where we have control.



Closeup of Canadian 100 dollar bill on top of US one hundred dollar bill

Wish not for a weak Canadian dollar

Investing for Fun and Profit: Weak currency is symptomatic of weak investing confidence in a country

There exists what I believe is a very common misconception that a weak currency is good for the economy. Statements by news media and politicians often parrot this theme because on a short-term basis, exports become cheaper for foreign buyers and imports more expensive for domestic purchasers, theoretically enhancing domestic production. However, what’s missing in […] Read more



Stocks do pay more than bonds, for those of us prepared to manage the pain and suffering stocks can wreak en route to that payoff.

What good are bonds?

Bonds and Risk: The price for the greater security bonds provide is that they do pay less on an historical basis compared to stocks

Bonds have long been scorned by investors lured by the seemingly higher returns of stocks. To be honest, on a historical basis, comparing returns over decades, stocks do pay more than bonds — but those stocks pull off this feat with much more pain and suffering. With the higher reward goes the higher risk. For […] Read more


As I’ve already experienced with telcos, declining profitability often leads to declining service levels.

Can Canada’s banks and telcos maintain as reliable performers?

Investing for Fun and Profit: Also includes an update on the latest status of the Titanium Strength Portfolio

This is my 100th column over the past six years for Grainews. I hope you’ve enjoyed the wit and wisdom, albeit limited, and that my musings helped your off-farm investing success. This is also the first column written following the May 15 anniversary of the Titanium Strength Portfolio (TSP). At its outset, the purpose was […] Read more

guy looking skyward holding sign proclaiming end times

Markets are dispassionate to our human disasters

Investing for Fun and Profit: While headlines may exalt a unique situation, to markets it's 'same as it ever was'

The first public stock exchange opened in Amsterdam in 1611, trading one company, the Dutch East India Company. Twenty-five years later, coincident with tulip mania, the company had a market cap of 78 million Dutch guilders, which translates to $9.7 trillion current U.S. dollars, putting Microsoft’s and Apple’s near-$3 trillion valuations into perspective. The London […] Read more