Inside Perspectives: An AGF Podcast Series

AGF Investments Inc.

Thoughtful discussions on investing with AGF experts and special guests. Learn more about the opportunities and issues impacting global markets today.

  1. FEB 4

    Weathering an Avalanche of Market-Moving Events

    John and David welcome David Stonehouse, AGF Investments interim CIO, to discuss the resilience of financial markets in the face of heightened geopolitical activity so far this year. Hosted By: David Pett, Content Editor & Producer, Inside Perspectives: An AGF Podcast Series John Christofilos, Chief Trading Officer, AGF Investments Jonathan Prias, Recording & Post‑Production Guest: David Stonehouse, Interim Chief Investment Officer, AGF Investments   Chapter 1: Market Resiliency Starts at 03:19 Our panel experts discuss how, despite a wide range of early‑year geopolitical developments and market‑moving headlines, investors have continued to participate actively and markets have generally remained stable. They highlight resiliency as a key theme they are observing across global equity markets so far this year.   Chapter 2: Geopolitical Hotspot – Venezuela Starts at 07:25 Our hosts share their observations on recent events in Venezuela and discuss how market participants have interpreted the situation. They note that although the headlines were significant, the direct market reaction—particularly in oil—was more muted than some expected, based on the information available at the time.    Chapter 3: Geopolitical Hotspot – Iran Starts at 11:20 Turning to Iran, our panel experts discuss why this region has drawn heightened investor attention. They outline factors that market participants are monitoring—such as regional tensions and potential implications for energy supply—while emphasizing that interpretations vary and outcomes remain uncertain.   Chapter 4: Geopolitical Hotspot – Greenland Starts at 14:23 Our hosts address recent discussions involving Greenland and describe how many observers have viewed the situation as largely political in nature. They note that recent announcements have been framed as "frameworks" rather than finalized agreements, and they outline how global policymakers and markets have responded so far.    Chapter 5: Trade Policy – Canada's Global Positioning Starts at 17:27 The conversation shifts to Canada's evolving trade activity. Our panel experts discuss recent international engagements by Canadian leadership, as well as ongoing efforts to improve domestic trade efficiency. They speak to how these developments may shape conversations around Canada's role in global commerce without drawing conclusions about future outcomes.   Chapter 6: Trade Policy – India–EU Discussions Starts at 22:58 Our hosts comment on the long‑running India–EU trade discussions, noting that recent announcements appear to represent early frameworks rather than final agreements. They explain that geopolitical relationships and economic considerations in both regions contribute to the complexity of moving such arrangements forward..    Chapter 7: Gold Starts at 26:15 Our panel experts discuss the recent rise in gold prices and share perspectives on what various market participants have cited as potential drivers, including diversification, currency considerations, and broad interest from different types of investors. They also acknowledge that gold's recent price movements have included periods of volatility.   Chapter 8: Japan Bonds Starts at 30:28 The discussion moves to Japan's bond market, where our hosts outline shifts that investors have been monitoring—such as changes in inflation trends, monetary policy signals, and currency dynamics. They explain that these developments have contributed to renewed attention on Japan's fixed‑income landscape.   Chapter 9: Artificial Intelligence Starts at 32:44 Our panel experts explore the ongoing interest in artificial intelligence as a theme within global markets. They discuss corporate earnings trends, adoption indicators and infrastructure considerations that continue to shape investor conversations, while noting that the AI landscape includes periodic volatility and evolving expectations.

    38 min
  2. 6 Investment Themes and Sectors to Watch in 2026

    12/05/2025 · BONUS

    6 Investment Themes and Sectors to Watch in 2026

    Strong results for equities and solid fixed income returns were the features of another favourable year for global financial markets, but can investors expect more of the same in 2026? This is Inside Perspectives "Shorts", a special edition podcast highlighting some of the themes and sectors that we believe will play a part in how the new year unfolds. Hosted By: DP: David Pett, Content Editor & Producer, Inside Perspectives: An AGF Podcast Series Guests: Grace Huang, Senior Analyst, AGF Investments Ben Baldasaro, Fixed Income Associate, AGF Investments John Kratochwil, Senior Analyst, AGF Investments Pulkit Sabharwal, Analyst, AGF Investments Ling Han, Analyst, AGF Investments Marissa Heinze, Fixed Income Associate, AGF Investments Renato Monzon, Analyst, AGF Investments Abhishek Ashok, Analyst, AGF Investments Henry Kwok, Senior Analyst, AGF Investments   Chapter 1: Artificial Intelligence Starts at 00:39 Artificial intelligence has been the investment theme of choice for investors in recent years, but heading into 2026, some investors believe the risk of a correction is growing. AGF Investments analysts Grace Huang and Ben Baldasaro talk about navigating potential opportunities as the AI theme continues to evolve in the new year.   Chapter 2: Gold Starts at 05:09 Gold raised to new all time highs in 2025, and seems to be on the radar of almost every investor heading into the New Year. AGF Investments analyst John Kratochwil talks about what's fuelling the momentum and whether it's fair to expect the rally to continue.    Chapter 3: Energy Starts at 09:24 Energy stocks were decidedly unloved in 2025, primarily as oil prices fell on oversupply fears and tariff induced threats of a weakening economy. AGF Investments analyst Pulkit Sabharwal talks about what could turn the tide in 2026.    Chapter 4: Healthcare Starts at 14:02 The health care sector was beset by more policy uncertainty in 2025. AGF Investments analysts Ling Han and Marissa Heinze talk about why it may be set for a recovery in 2026.    Chapter 5: Defense Starts at 18:52 In sports it's often said that a good offense is a good defense. But is the same now true in equity markets? AGF Investments analyst Renato Monzon discusses why the appetite for defense stocks is expected to grow in 2026.    Chapter 6: Consumer Staples and Discretionary Starts at 22:03 The U.S. consumer is anything but easy to define these days. AGF investments analysts Abhishek Ashok and Henry Kwok discuss how dynamic consumption trends are impacting both consumer staples and consumer discretionary stocks.

    30 min

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Thoughtful discussions on investing with AGF experts and special guests. Learn more about the opportunities and issues impacting global markets today.