Blair Setford • April 7, 2025

Our Perspective: A Structural Break in Global Trade Norms

In the following video, Blair Setford notes that after a strong year for equities in 2024, the first quarter of 2025 has disappointed investors.

Tariffs have dominated headlines, causing sentiment to fall due to uncertainty. For Canada, the immediate shock may seem manageable, but broader implications include a fragmented trade regime, less policy coordination, and higher volatility in cross-border economic activity. Navigating this landscape will require strategic agility, diversified portfolios, and close monitoring of trade developments.


Investor anxiety has grown with talk of a possible recession. Comprehensive diversification will be key to navigating this uncertainty, and that means spreading investments across asset classes and global markets. Despite trade tensions, maintaining exposure to U.S. securities is crucial for diversification benefits. Keeping a long-term investment perspective and sticking to your financial plan usually leads to better results than reacting to short-term fluctuations.


Watch our video to learn more: