In this episode of InFocus, TriCert Financial Group CEO Mike Gassewitz is joined by Chief Investment Officer Brian Durno, CFP®, CFA®, to provide a brief investment outlook. They examine the macroeconomic backdrop in Canada and the U.S., including central bank policy trends, inflation data, unemployment levels, and GDP growth. The discussion then shifts to capital markets, where they review bond yields, preferred shares, corporate profit trends, and current equity market valuations. The episode also explores what is driving market resilience despite ongoing geopolitical and fiscal uncertainty, and how disciplined portfolio construction, sector analysis, and a focus on high-quality companies continue to guide investment decisions. Throughout the conversation, one theme remains clear: markets evolve, headlines shift, but a diversified, fundamentals-based approach remains essential to long-term investor success. (00:00) Opener (00:12) Introduction (01:00) Interest Rates, Inflation and Unemployment Rates (05:46) Yields, Preferred Shares, and Key 2026 Risks (10:22) Economic Growth (12:14) Equity Markets: Tariffs, Profits, Valuations (23:05) Dividend Growth (26:17) Takeaways and Staying Disciplined Recorded on February 19, 2026 DISCLAIMER: This content has been prepared by TriCert Investment Counsel Inc. The information, including forecast financial information, should not be considered as advice or a recommendation to investors and does not take into account your particular investment objectives or financial situation. Before acting on any information, you should consider the appropriateness of the information and speak with one of our portfolio managers. All securities and financial products or instrument transactions involve risks, including the risk of adverse or unanticipated market, financial or political developments and, in international transactions, currency risk. This content may contain forward-looking statements, including statements regarding our beliefs on current expectations and market conditions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. TriCert Investment Counsel Inc. does not undertake any obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. While due care has been used in the preparation of forecast information, actual results may vary in a materially positive or negative manner. Forecasts and hypothetical examples are subject to uncertainty and contingencies outside TriCert Investment Counsel Inc.’s control. Methodologies and assumptions applied in calculating performance figures, returns, and other metrics discussed in this podcast are based on established internal standards and recognized industry practices. Comprehensive documentation detailing the calculation methods and underlying assumptions is available upon request. Past performance is not a reliable indication of future performance. © 2026 TriCert Financial Group Inc. All Rights Reserved.
