Chris Blumas

Yes, we had confirmation yesterday through the Fed meeting. When they released their comments, they used really aggressive language in terms of what they were expecting. We're a few months into tariffs, and we haven't seen any inflation yet, but it's in the pipeline.

Different estimates he's been reading indicate that it could take anywhere from 12-18 months for tariffs to be fully reflected in prices. It's expected to be quite severe. Along with unemployment, inflation is front and centre when it comes to the Fed moving on rates.

Consumers and businesses have been relying on credit to drive economic growth. More and more, over time, it's the stock market that's been a crucial factor in driving consumption. In view of the less-than-rosy economic backdrop, for markets to be where they are is a little bit surprising.

That's what people need to keep in mind. There is potential for some downward volatility.

It's a good habit to focus on companies that can control their own destiny on financing. Use the volatility that can come up in the market in your favour. From time to time, when markets are going to be very volatile, really good companies will sell off. It helps to know ahead of time what you might like to buy.

He tends to focus on cashflow. Companies that can generate good cashflow, and with strong balance sheets, have a lot of options in tough markets.

Stay away. Very low valuation, which attracts some people. Doesn't have scale or diversified product offering. Harder for smaller banks to made adequate investment in technology, which limits returns. He'd rather one of the big 6, such as TD or BNS.

Wonderful company, his favourite in the group. Has owned in past, but not now due to valuation. Near record highs. P&C insurance is very defensive, so it draws crowds when people get panicky in the market and the price gets bid up. Wait for a better valuation.

Valuation is high. P&C insurance is very defensive, so it draws crowds when people get panicky in the market and the price gets bid up.  Wait for a better valuation.

P&C insurance is very defensive, so it draws crowds when people get panicky in the market and the price gets bid up. Has become too inefficient as it's gotten bigger. Instead, he'd prefer some of the US private equity names for the capital levers they can pull, which have similar business models.

A lot of defensive names ran up recently as people used them as places to hide. Valuation still very attractive. Dividend yield is quite strong. Growth outlook is reasonable. Reasonable name for income. Attractive entry point would be something below $60. Yield is 6.1%.

Follows this name quite closely. His preferred name in the space. Valuation's come up in the short term on geopolitical events. Gushes cash, and that's tied to its dividend policy. Opportunistic acquisitions. Wait. Yield is 5.1%.

Look to this name for income, not for growth. Solid dividend yield, north of 5%. Some growth over time. Reasonable valuation, around 10x PE. Growing in Asia. His favourite in the space is GWO.

His favourite in the space. Nice yield. Growing in mature markets in Europe, generates reasonable returns. Very disciplined. Reasonable valuation.

Penny stock. Don't get involved. Teetering on the verge of bankruptcy. Though only 10 cents, could still have 100% downside.

Nuclear resurgence has been strong, and CCO plays a key role. Saskatchewan assets are very high grade, the best you can get. If you own it, sit tight. If not, watch and wait. Don't chase. So much hype in the space. Executing well, but there's only so much uranium that can be mined and sold.

Has been on his watchlist for many years. Recently came down to values he's seriously considering. Within about 5% of his buy price. Exceptional company. Tech company that helps insurance companies auction damaged cars. Global. Came down on earnings because growth not as robust. Long-term phenomenal business.

Really tough situation. When an insurance company falls on hard times, it's so difficult to analyze. How pervasive are the problems? Historically, quite a strong compounder. Lots of political pressure on insurance reimbursement. Steer clear for now.