03/10/2026
Good morning, and happy new year to everyone.
As we approach the end of the first quarter in 2026, we want to touch on the global landscape we have just entered, and remind everyone how we approach this from an investment perspective. At times like these, it's important to reinforce the long-term strategy and professional fund management for your plans and investments.
Markets are emotionally driven, often by fear and excitement. When investors become fearful, they panic, they sell, and the market drops quickly, reinforcing the cycle. But for calm and rational investors, this is an excellent opportunity.
This is why we invest with professional fund managers. We pick the managers with you, and they pick the holdings in your portfolio. They have cash, and may be hunting for buying opportunities within their portfolio mandates, trying to take advantage of panic driven selloffs. We know this can be challenging, but by maintaining our composure and letting the managers improve our portfolios, we not only weather the panic storm, we will likely PROFIT from it in the long run.
And remember, these downswings happen every year! We've been through this before, and we'll go through it again. Each year, on average, the S&P 500 has a drawdown of 10%-14% and still ends the year positive 75% of the time. Last year it was tariffs, 2024 was interest rate uncertainty, this year it may be a global conflict. The reasons are different, but the outcome is the same, an opportunity for us.
On a slightly different note, we've attached two PDFs with new 2026 Tax information. PDF 1 displays the provincial marginal tax rates for 2026, and PDF 2 contains information such as the 2026 TFSA contribution limit ($7,000), RRSP contribution limits ($33,810), and Old Age Security clawback threshold ($95,323). Of course, we tie all this information into your personal plans and circumstances, so we'll address the elements that impact your specific situations when we meet.
Lastly, an update to our team here at Atrium Centre. Everyone, please welcome Ben Vandervies.
Ben joins us after four years as a Wealth Specialist with ConnectFirst and Servus Credit Union in Calgary, and has a background in high-level sport. A former NCAA hockey player at UMASS Dartmouth with a master's degree in sport psychology, Ben brings a disciplined, goal-driven approach to financial planning and investing. Outside the office, he enjoys getting on the ice whenever possible, skiing, and snowboarding, and looks forward to meeting with everyone.
Please reach out at any time, we appreciate your business and we're all here to look after you.
