Global Trade, Tariffs & Market Shifts in the Energy & Materials Sector

Recorded on March 4th, 2025

In this episode of InFocus, Mike Gassewitz, CEO of TriCert Financial Group, is joined by Grayson Waechter, CFA®, TriCert Investment Counsel Portfolio Manager for the energy and materials sector, to provide an update on market trends and investment opportunities.

The conversation starts with the oil sector, where, despite recent price fluctuations, leading global energy companies continue to deliver strong returns for investors through steady dividends and share buybacks. Moving to the materials sector, Grayson discusses the current volatility in commodity prices and highlights companies with more predictable business models that may offer stability amid market shifts. The discussion also addresses the potential impact of tariffs and global trade policies. With the U.S. relying heavily on Canadian oil, potash, and copper exports, any trade relations changes could have significant consequences. Geopolitical events, including developments in China and Ukraine, also have the potential to influence these markets.

The episode focuses on maintaining diversified, well-positioned portfolios to navigate opportunities and risks in uncertain times.