Brianne Gardner

Seeing a significant selloff, fueled by trade war and economic uncertainty across the board. Trade uncertainty leads to profit uncertainty, which explains why the market's been all over the place. Seeing some positives today. High valuations and stalled tax cuts are really compounding investor concerns. Some negative sentiment among consumers is also adding to market volatility.

The one big thing that markets hate more than negative news is the unknown. The S&P 500 has fallen into correction territory of 10%, and the NASDAQ is down 14%. TSX has held up slightly better, but still down.

Pullbacks are part of the market cycle. Historically, they happen 1-3 times a year. Though pullbacks don't feel great in the moment, she believes the market still has upside in 2025. Seeing a rotation from big tech into other sectors and geographic areas.

This is a big reminder to investors to take profits along the way, don't just ride the wave. This lets you raise cash and be able to pick up stocks when they're on sale.

Investors with diversified portfolios have seen some bright spots. Bonds have outperformed stocks, and investors have shifted toward some of these safer asset classes liked fixed income. In Canada, materials (especially gold) have been strong. Even international markets like Europe and China are up 8-10% this year. 

There's still no sign of a deep bear market.

Yes, we have seen some upside in Europe and China. She's a bit hesitant right now, but is definitely doing due diligence more in international markets. Still some geopolitical risks that investors need to take into consideration. So be careful before just jumping into a bounce rally.

Telco sector sees steady demand keeping it defensive, but not a growth rocket. Facing stiff competition, regulatory issues, underperforming the sector index. Cost-cutting and asset sales. Cheap. Juicy yield of 8.5%. If you're in it for the yield, and you can stomach the volatility, cost cuts could pay off in the long run.

Top mid-cap name, high dividend yield, aggressive product growth. Ramping up production, which will offer strong FCF. But capital spending is rising as a result. Scores 10/10 on value, 8/10 on fundamentals. Analysts seeing potential upside of 47%. Healthy dividend of ~8%.

Value scores 8/10, fundamentals 8/10. King of capital, resilience, and diversified lending. Steady, consistent beats compared to the other Canadian banks. Strong Q1, shrugging off a lot of the rate cut noise. Still sees upside in wealth management and US expansion. Rock-solid balance sheet that can weather any storm.

Slowing mortgage growth, which could continue if Canadian housing slows and tariffs ramp up. Core hold for her on reliability and growth.

Significant pullback, especially on Q4 results and softer guidance. But revenue and net income still up. Fintech is shaking up the finance world. Not a giant in the space like a PYPL, but a longer-term rising star. Leader in the space of lending to the underserved consumer. Economic uncertainties will be a challenge.

The dip might well be worth grabbing for growth. On her watchlist.

Significant pullback. Live events are still booming. Regulatory noise from DOJ lawsuit, and that could drag on. If LYV loses, would really dent margins. Record concert demand and venue control could lift 2025 revenue. Value scores 2/10. Wait for turnaround conviction.

She watches this sector closely, as that's what consumers will cut if there's weakening economic data. She's underweight the sector. Be cautious, especially as the data is showing more weaknesses than positives.

Small position for her, actively traded. Energy royalties are still a steady play. A mid-tier champ. Zero operational risk. Dividend hike, so she doesn't see it being cut. Yield is ~8.5%. Oil above $70 keeps royalty cash flowing. Drop in crude price or a global demand wobble would impact it. Value of 10/10, fundamentals 10/10. 

She's overweight US equities. That shift was due mainly to economic data out of Canada -- slowing inflation and GDP, likely a recession. Also the CAD.

With Trump in office, the US is pro-business with less corporate tax. Those measures should boost S&P profitability. EPS growth is better in the States too -- expected 14% this year.

Sectors like materials, industrials, and energy were all negative last year. Expected to have positive EPS growth this year. She likes those sectors, plus healthcare. Healthcare is expecting 20% EPS growth this year.

Going from a Mag 7-concentrated portfolio, she sees a more diversified portfolio being the winner for 2025.

People are taking profits in the Mag 7. Still a top pick. AI-cloud dominance and smart investments are driving their growth. Financial strength keeps them steady in uncertain markets. Her price target is $480, another 25% upside. You could add to your position now.

Still sees strong growth ahead. Expanding in all its divisions. Doesn't see tariffs disrupting the US-Canada oil trade too much. Earnings growth targets are achievable. Still upside of 8-9% from here.

Stable, long-term cashflow. Zero debt and huge line of credit give it lots of flexibility to grow. Sees a 6.5% increase in dividend. Big projects are moving forward. Sees 4-5% upside, but she has been trimming to rebalance.

Critical piece of the supply chain. Still remains a dominant player in the vast network linking Canada and the US. Rough Q4 from labour strikes and extreme weather. Yield ~3.4%.

Stable, long-term asset, but facing margin headwinds from rising costs and lower productivity. Increased competition from CP-KSU merger.