In the Money with Amber Kanwar

• Special Feature: Inside the AI Boom with Swanzy Quarshie of Scotia Wealth Management

  In this special episode of In the Money with Amber Kanwar, we team up with The Scotiabank Women Initiative. Amber sits down with Swanzy Quarshie, Managing Director of Equities, Global Investment Solutions at Scotia Wealth Management, for a wide-ranging look at the biggest force in markets today: the AI boom.Swanzy breaks down why equity markets are soaring even as the underlying economy lags, and how much of that strength traces back to AI optimism. She digs into the staggering amount of power and water the AI buildout requires, the limits on how quickly that energy can be supplied, and what happens if AI adoption doesn’t keep pace with the infrastructure being built.They explore whether AI can truly deliver the productivity gains companies are banking on, why some sectors are already seeing real benefits, and how the next wave of AI winners may come from outside the hyperscalers — in places like consultants, utilities, and financials that learn to integrate AI effectively.If you want a clear, grounded take on the realities behind the AI frenzy — and where the lasting opportunities could emerge — this episode is a must-watch.The Scotiabank Women Initiative is committed to helping women grow their businesses, advance their careers and invest in their futures, so they can succeed on their own terms. For more information check out: https://www.scotiabank.com/women-initiative/ca/en.htmlTimestamps00:00 Show intro01:15 Swanzy’s career arc3:30 Swanzy’s view on earnings growth & AI05:30 Cautious optimism on AI08:15 Energy demand, AI & productivity gains13:30 Is there any choice but to be invested in AI? 16:50 How does Canada position itself for the AI boom? 19:00 The U.S. market & AI gains23:00 AI disruption in the market SponsorsThe Scotiabank Women Initiative is committed to helping women grow their businesses, advance their careers and invest in their futures, so they can succeed on their own terms. For more check out: https://www.scotiabank.com/women-initiative/ca/en.htmlLinkshttps://inthemoneypod.com/ https://instagram.com/inthemoneypodhttps://facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569721774740 https://twitter.com/inthemoneypod https://tiktok.com/@[email protected] The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or professional advice.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of any organization or company. The host and guests may maintain positions in any securities discussed on the podcast. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor or professional before making any investment decisions.SCOTIA WEALTH MANAGEMENT DISCLAIMER This publication has been prepared by The Bank of Nova Scotia for Scotia Wealth Management clients and may not be redistributed. It is for general information purposes only and should not be considered or relied upon as personal and/or specific financial, tax, pension, insurance, legal or investment advice. We are not tax or legal advisors and we recommend that individuals consult with their qualified advisors, including tax and legal advisors, before taking any action based upon the information contained in this publication. Opinions and projections contained in this publication are our own as of the date hereof and are subject to change without notice. Scotia Wealth Management is under no obligation to update this commentary and readers should assume the information contained herein will not be updated. While care and attention has been taken to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the material in this publication, neither The Bank of Nova Scotia nor any of its affiliates or any of their respective directors, officers or employees make any representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of such material and disclaim any liability resulting from any direct or consequential loss arising from any use of this publication or the information contained herein. This commentary may contain forward-looking statements based on current expectations and projections about future general economic factors. Forward-looking statements are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties which may be unforeseeable and such expectations and projections may be incorrect in the future. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and you should avoid placing undue reliance upon them. This publication and all the information, opinions and conclusions contained herein are protected by copyright. This publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the prior express consent of The Bank of Nova Scotia. ®Registered trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia, used under licence. Scotia Wealth Management® consists of a range of financial services provided by The Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank®); The Bank of Nova Scotia Trust Company (Scotiatrust®); Private Investment Counsel, a service of 1832 Asset Management L.P.; 1832 Asset Management U.S. Inc.; Scotia Wealth Insurance Services Inc.; and ScotiaMcLeod®, a division of Scotia Capital Inc. Private banking services are provided by The Bank of Nova Scotia. Estate and trust services are provided by The Bank of Nova Scotia Trust Company. Portfolio management is provided by 1832 Asset Management L.P. and 1832 Asset Management U.S. Inc. Insurance services are provided by Scotia Wealth Insurance Services Inc. Wealth advisory and brokerage services are provided by ScotiaMcLeod, a division of Scotia Capital Inc. International investment advisory services are provided by Scotia Capital Inc. Financial planning services are provided by The Bank of Nova Scotia and ScotiaMcLeod. Scotia Capital Inc. is a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund and is regulated by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization. Scotia Wealth Insurance Services Inc. is the insurance subsidiary of Scotia Capital Inc., a member of the Scotiabank group of companies. When discussing life insurance products, ScotiaMcLeod advisors are acting as Life Insurance Agents (Financial Security Advisors in Quebec) representing Scotia Wealth Insurance Services Inc.In the Money delivers expert stock picks, market analysis, and timely investing insights. Hosted by business journalist Amber Kanwar, each episode features interviews with top portfolio managers and financial experts. Covering everything from ETFs and Canadian stocks to global investing trends, dividend strategies, and risk management, this show is made for DIY investors, stock market enthusiasts, and anyone looking to sharpen their financial strategy.Contact: [email protected]#IntheMoney #Investing #StockMarket #CanadianInvesting #FinancialNews

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• The Fed is on a Collision Course: Big 2026 Call from a +$245B Macro Chief

  ​​We’re looking ahead to the crucial Fed decision next week  — and the central bank may be on a collision course with the market, with inflation, and possibly with its own incoming leadership.Amber sits down with Dustin Reid, Chief Strategist, Fixed Income at Mackenzie Investments for a wide-ranging and deeply insightful breakdown of what’s about to hit the economy. Reid explains why chaotic Fed communication set the stage for this moment, why the December cut might be the last one for a long time, and what happens if the next Fed chair cuts rates no matter what the data says.They dig into the true state of the U.S. economy, the K-shaped consumer, whether inflation is really stuck near 3%, and how tariff pass-through and aggressive fiscal stimulus could complicate the path ahead. Then the focus shifts to Canada, where Reid argues the Bank of Canada is not done — predicting at least two more cuts by June 2026 as the country confronts a cooling housing market, stalled population growth, and wildly conflicting job data. He breaks down why labour market figures are sending opposite signals, how Blue Jays mania distorted the numbers, and what the real picture looks like under the surface.Amber and Dustin dive into how AI megacap spending has become a bigger driver of U.S. growth than the consumer, whether cracks in the AI trade will first show up in credit, why Oracle’s CDS spike may be more idiosyncratic than systemic, where private credit stress could ripple next, and how USMCA brinkmanship could impact Canadian markets in 2026.In the Mailbag, Dustin gives his thoughts on the TLT, unpacks the truth about de-dollarization, and explains whether target-maturity bond funds really make sense for retail investors.And in Pro Picks, he lays out his highest-conviction positioning for 2026: long the Canadian front end, short the U.S. front end, and why the EM FX carry could be one of the most overlooked opportunities for Canadian investors.Timestamps00:00 Questrade’s new tools for investors. Use promo code INTHEMONEY02:00 Show intro04:25 Looking ahead to a very important Fed rate decision 06:50 Why Dustin thinks the Fed will stop cutting in the new year 10:20 What about Trump’s new Fed pick and the risk of a policy mistake14:40 The fixed income market could become an issue 17:40 U.S. fiscal policy21:10 The bond vigilantes22:45 AI spending and the bond market28:00 High-yield debt and should we expect more issuances in 202630:00 Private credit defaults33:00 Why Dustin think the BOC is NOT done cutting rates 35:00 Canadian data & the baseball effect41:00 What about inflation?42:50 The trade risk for Canada45:15 ITM Mailbag: Thoughts on the iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (TLT)47:00 USD and the role of de-dollarization52:50 Target bond funds54:20 Dustin’s Pro Picks (Long Canadian front end, short U.S. front end, EM FX carry trade)SponsorsSign up for your first self-directed account at https://questrade.com. Get your $50 cash reward when you use the promo code: INTHEMONEY. Or open a QuestWealth Portfolios account and your first $10,000 will be managed for free for one year. Promo code: INTHEMONEY.  For over 25 years, Raymond James has been helping Canadians achieve their financial goals. Visit https://raymondjames.ca today to discover how you can live a life well planned.With tools like the ETF Compare Tool and Market Insights, you can easily identify ETFs that hold your favourite stocks, match your risk tolerance, and align with your investment goals. To explore these tools, head to www.bmoetfs.com and check out the Tools section.Pro Picks is brought to you by ATB Financial.  Visit https://ATB.com/inthemoney for more informationLinkshttps://inthemoneypod.com/ https://instagram.com/inthemoneypodhttps://facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569721774740 https://twitter.com/inthemoneypod https://tiktok.com/@[email protected] The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or professional advice.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of any organization or company. The host and guests may maintain positions in any securities discussed on the podcast. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor or professional before making any investment decisions.In the Money delivers expert stock picks, actionable ideas, and timely money management tips. Hosted by business journalist Amber Kanwar, each episode features interviews with top portfolio managers who suggest ways to achieve good returns. Covering everything from ETFs and Canadian stocks to global investing trends, dividend strategies, and risk management, this show is made for DIY investors, stock market enthusiasts, and anyone looking to sharpen their financial strategy.Contact: [email protected]#IntheMoney #Investing #StockMarket #CanadianInvesting #FinancialNews

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• Inside a Perma-Bull’s Playbook: Barry Schwartz on What Really Drives Markets

  Long-term investing, Barry Schwartz reminds us, is a simple math problem that most investors overcomplicate — and as a self-described permabull, he’s here to explain why staying constructive matters even in the years that test you. Amber and the President & CIO of Baskin Wealth Management dig into the final trading month of the year as Barry breaks down why earnings growth powered the 2025 rally, why double-digit profit growth is still ahead, and why one off-trend year never justifies abandoning a sound philosophy. He also opens up about Baskin’s performance, the pressure of chasing the index, and why he still won’t touch gold miners despite their monster gains.Barry tackles viewer questions head-on, starting with Canadian banks at record highs, explaining why National Bank (NA.TO) and Royal Bank (RY.TO) have earned their premium and why he’s not rushing back into TD Bank (TD.TO). He then digs into Telus (T.TO) and the broader telco group, calling out how attractive dividends can mask weak cash flow and rising leverage. On CN Rail (CNR.TO), he respects the long-term durability but sees better growth elsewhere. He weighs in on Constellation Software’s (CSU.TO) rare pullback, why slower growth doesn’t mean the compounding story is over, and why this may be a chance to add, not bail. On Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B), he pushes back on worries about Buffett’s growing cash pile and argues the long-term thesis remains intact. He also revisits his long-term energy favourites Tourmaline (TOU.TO) and Canadian Natural Resources (CNQ.TO), explaining why he still prefers these disciplined, founder-influenced compounders over the “sexier” high-beta names that have led the recent energy trade.Barry revisits his February recommendations — Apple (AAPL), Microsoft (MSFT), and Meta (META) — and explains why he stayed steady even when Meta sold off, pointing to its 26 percent revenue growth as evidence that AI is already paying off inside the business. Then he turns to what he’s buying now: TFI International (TFII.TO), where he sees powerful upside once one of the worst freight recessions in years finally bottoms; Alimentation Couche-Tard (ATD.TO), which he believes is regaining momentum as U.S. stores improve and fresh food lifts margins; and Restaurant Brands International (QSR.TO), where Burger King’s turnaround and international expansion could finally unlock a stock that has traded in a range for too long. Each idea reflects the same discipline behind his past winners: buying great businesses when the market temporarily misprices them and letting time and compounding do the heavy lifting.Timestamps00:00 Questrade’s new tools for investors01:30 Show intro 04:00 Barry Schwartz on the importance of long-term investing06:00 Barry’s macro view, corporate earnings and why Baskin is underperforming this year 09:20 Why Barry doesn’t like the gold sector 11:00 What really mattered this year? 13:00 AI & All roads lead to OpenAI 17:00 ITM Mailbag: The Canadian banks 23:30 Why Barry is a perma-bull 25:30 Telus stock (T) 30:00 CN Rail stock (CNR) 35:00 Berkshire Hathaway stock (BRB.B) 40:40 Constellation Software stock (CSU) 42:40 Tourmaline stock & Canadian Natural Resources stock (TOU, CNQ) 46:15 Barry’s Past & Pro Picks (AAPL, MSFT, META, TFI, QSR, ATD)SponsorsFor more information on Questrade's new tools for investors visit https://questrade.comFor over 25 years, Raymond James has been helping Canadians achieve their financial goals. Visit https://raymondjames.ca today to discover how you can live a life well planned.With tools like the ETF Compare Tool and Market Insights, you can easily identify ETFs that hold your favourite stocks, match your risk tolerance, and align with your investment goals. To explore these tools, head to www.bmoetfs.com and check out the Tools section.Pro Picks is brought to you by ATB Financial. Visit https://ATB.com/inthemoney for more informationLinkshttps://inthemoneypod.com/ https://instagram.com/inthemoneypodhttps://facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569721774740 https://twitter.com/inthemoneypod https://tiktok.com/@[email protected] The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or professional advice.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of any organization or company. The host and guests may maintain positions in any securities discussed on the podcast. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor or professional before making any investment decisions.In the Money delivers expert stock picks, actionable ideas, and timely money management tips. Hosted by business journalist Amber Kanwar, each episode features interviews with top portfolio managers who suggest ways to achieve good returns. Covering everything from ETFs and Canadian stocks to global investing trends, dividend strategies, and risk management, this show is made for DIY investors, stock market enthusiasts, and anyone looking to sharpen their financial strategy.Contact: [email protected]#IntheMoney #Investing #StockMarket #CanadianInvesting #FinancialNews

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• Gold at Record Highs, AI Getting Risky and the Fed Eyeing Cuts — What Happens Next

  Gold is hovering near record highs, the market is begging for a rate cut, and AI is reshaping every corner of the economy. But are investors seeing the full picture? Amber sits down with Bipan Rai, Managing Director, Head of ETF & Alternatives Strategy at BMO Global Asset Management  for an unfiltered macro conversation at a moment when investors are looking for answers and clarity.Bipan breaks down why markets abruptly priced in an aggressive December Fed cut despite an unclear jobs picture distorted by the U.S. government shutdown. He also explains why political pressure on the Federal Reserve is becoming impossible to ignore and how easily a poorly timed cut could become a policy mistake.AI becomes the first major theme of the conversation. Bipan explains why the broad AI beta trade is ending and how debt financed spending is starting to separate real winners from firms with stretched balance sheets. The market may finally be waking up to these differences and he argues that this shift toward a more selective environment is actually a sign of long term health.Gold is the other force that has defined 2025. Bipan breaks down why the metal’s record run has been powered mostly by retail and institutional ETF flows rather than central banks and why gold’s pause at the top is not a sign the move is over. He goes through the supply and demand math and explains why he still sees a path to gold reaching 4500 by mid 2026.They also dig into Canada’s massive fiscal push, the USMCA wildcard, the mortgage renewal wall, and why global infrastructure spending is becoming one of the most durable multi-year investment themes.In Pro Picks, Bipan brings three ETF ideas tied directly to the macro forces shaping markets right now. He starts with the BMO Gold Bullion ETF (ZGLD), which offers pure exposure to gold as it hovers near record levels. He then introduces the BMO Gold Bullion Covered Call Spread ETF (ZWGD), a strategy built to maintain upside participation in gold while generating meaningful yield by selling call spreads. And for investors looking to position for global fiscal stimulus, he highlights the BMO Global Infrastructure Fund ETF (BGIF), a portfolio of essential infrastructure exposure from pipelines to utilities to communication towers benefiting from governments racing to upgrade aging systems.Timestamps00:00 Show intro02:00 Bipan’s view on rates05:00 Thinking about U.S. rates from a political lens and the risk of a policy misstep08:40 Chaos within the Fed & missing data13:00 Why were markets so resilient this year? Especially outside of the U.S. 16:30 AI, exposure and exceptions for 2026 19:50 The big gold rally, retail & institutional investors and outlook for next year26:20 The interplay between the USD and commodities29:45 The Bank of Canada, tariffs and the Canadian economy32:20 The Federal budget & fiscal policy36:20 Bipan’s Pro Picks (ZGLD, ZWGD, BGIF) SponsorsFor 25 years, Raymond James has been helping Canadians achieve their financial goals. Visit https://raymondjames.ca today to discover how you can live a life well planned.Presented by BMO ETFs. With tools like the ETF Compare Tool and Market Insights, you can easily identify ETFs that hold your favourite stocks, match your risk tolerance, and align with your investment goals. To explore these tools, head to www.bmoetfs.com and check out the Tools section.Pro Picks is brought to you by ATB Financial.  Visit https://ATB.com/inthemoney for more information.Linkshttps://inthemoneypod.com/ https://instagram.com/inthemoneypodhttps://facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569721774740 https://twitter.com/inthemoneypod https://tiktok.com/@[email protected] The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or professional advice.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of any organization or company. The host and guests may maintain positions in any securities discussed on the podcast. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor or professional before making any investment decisions.In the Money delivers expert stock picks, actionable ideas, and timely money management tips. Hosted by business journalist Amber Kanwar, each episode features interviews with top portfolio managers who suggest ways to achieve good returns. Covering everything from ETFs and Canadian stocks to global investing trends, dividend strategies, and risk management, this show is made for DIY investors, stock market enthusiasts, and anyone looking to sharpen their financial strategy.Contact: [email protected]#IntheMoney #Investing #StockMarket #CanadianInvesting #FinancialNews

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• Ex–Bridgewater Insider Reveals the Hedge Fund Secret No One Talks About

  In this episode of In the Money with Amber Kanwar, Amber sits down with Bob Elliott, Co-Founder, CEO & CIO of Unlimited and formerly a member of the Investment Committee at Bridgewater Associates, where he led Ray Dalio’s investment research team. Few people understand hedge funds and macro the way Bob does — and he brings that depth straight into this conversation.Bob explains how Unlimited Funds uses proprietary machine-learning technology to create ETFs that replicate the returns of alternative investments — like hedge funds, all with notably lower fees. Amber digs into how this works, why individual hedge fund managers don’t outperform each other, and how Unlimited tracks the “wisdom of the crowd” in real time.From the chaotic Fed reaction function, to the U.S. macro data vacuum, to the truth behind the AI “investment boom” and the emerging risks in credit markets — Bob breaks down where the economy really stands and what most investors are missing. He also explains why household spending power is rolling over, what gold’s surge says about the market, and how hedge funds are actually positioned today.In a different type of Pro Picks, Amber walks through Bob’s full ETF lineup — including HFND, the Multi-Strategy Return Tracker; HFGM, the Global Macro ETF; HFEQ, the Equity Long/Short ETF; and HFMF, the Managed Futures ETF — and explores how these strategies can complement portfolios and even outperform in both rising and falling markets.If you want a clear, grounded, brutally honest look at the macro landscape — from someone who’s seen it from inside the world’s largest hedge fund — this is the episode to watch.Timestamps00:00 Show intro02:20 Replicating hedge fund returns through ETFs07:30 generating high quality returns with lower fees11:00 What is hedge fund positioning telling Bob? 13:35 Understanding macro in a data vacuum18:10 What is the Fed going to do?21:40 AI as a driver of growth26:00 AI, cracks in private credit and who will win AI?31:50 The risks of the AI play35:00 Should we expect a weaker U.S. dollar?39:30 Why Bob spends a lot of time thinking about Japan42:00 Think about gold from two different perspectives45:00 Pro Picks: Unlimited’s ETFs (HFND, HFGN, HFEQ, HGMF) SponsorsFor 25 years, Raymond James has been helping Canadians achieve their financial goals. Visit https://raymondjames.ca today to discover how you can live a life well planned.The mailbag is brought to you by BMO ETFs. With tools like the ETF Compare Tool and Market Insights, you can easily identify ETFs that hold your favourite stocks, match your risk tolerance, and align with your investment goals. To explore these tools, head to www.bmoetfs.com and check out the Tools section.Pro Picks is brought to you by ATB Financial.  Visit https://ATB.com/inthemoney for more informationLinkshttps://inthemoneypod.com/ https://instagram.com/inthemoneypodhttps://facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569721774740 https://twitter.com/inthemoneypod https://tiktok.com/@[email protected] The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or professional advice.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of any organization or company. The host and guests may maintain positions in any securities discussed on the podcast. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor or professional before making any investment decisions.In the Money delivers expert stock picks, actionable ideas, and timely money management tips. Hosted by business journalist Amber Kanwar, each episode features interviews with top portfolio managers who suggest ways to achieve good returns. Covering everything from ETFs and Canadian stocks to global investing trends, dividend strategies, and risk management, this show is made for DIY investors, stock market enthusiasts, and anyone looking to sharpen their financial strategy.Contact: [email protected]#IntheMoney #Investing #StockMarket #CanadianInvesting #FinancialNews

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