Tumultuous times shine the spotlight on investment processes, discipline, analysis and long-term thinking. While the media may profile them as novel ideas, such measures are fundamental to the way Fiduciary Trust Company of Canada (FTCC) operates each day. That is because portfolio and risk management are at the core of everything we do. Our ongoing ability to continually earn your business, demands that we have the capabilities and processes in place to effectively preserve and grow your wealth. In addition, we know our investment approaches must evolve, seeking to anticipate the shifts and realities of both domestic and global capital markets.
Over the past year, our investment management process and capabilities have been increasingly recognized by our parent organization, Franklin Templeton Investments. For instance, our top-down asset allocation approach to managing fund of funds solutions is now being applied on a global basis. Brent Smith, who has been appointed Chief Investment Officer, Franklin Templeton Managed Investment Solutions, leads a team of investment professionals located in four countries around the world.
Roland Chalupka, with more than a decade of experience managing private client portfolios, including over four years with FTCC, has been appointed Chief Investment Officer, Discretionary Management. He and his team will continue to focus specifically on Canadian private client wealth management. However, they will also draw directly on the research and analysis of the global group led by Mr. Smith.
The reasons behind our enhancing the depth of resources available to you are twofold. First, we remain committed to the unique needs of our discretionary clients. Second, as we have seen through the global financial crisis, connections among markets and economies are deep and direct. We believe a specialized Canadian investment focus teamed directly with a global investment group will be advantageous in today’s environment and for years to come.
As we go to press, markets remain disrupted by investor uncertainty, fear of the unknown and a lack of confidence. Emotions are running high, yet we believe that beyond the headlines a catalyst will emerge, unlocking the gridlock and freeing markets to continue on their forward path. Through this period, and when a market rebound unfolds, know that you have the capabilities and experience of both national and global investment specialists, applying proven disciplines, research and analysis, and decision-making processes to managing your investments.
In this edition, see a glimpse of our thinking as Roland Chalupka explains our view on current conditions and the potential path forward. Our Round Table panel examines sovereign wealth funds and reveals the significant long-term shift underway in developing markets—a shift that is changing the world around us, as a new ebb and flow of capital emerges. Matthew Beswick sees past the current pessimism to opportunity.
Take time to read our Perspective on this past quarter and the trends that may influence your portfolios for decades to come. We welcome your feedback and encourage you to speak with your advisor and portfolio manager with any questions you may have.
James Cook
