Marco Liberatore, Investment Associate, CFP, CIM

Brian Belski, BMO Capital Markets' Chief Investment Strategist, spoke to Fox Business Network about why investors should look at small-cap and value stocks in the current stock picking environment.

Investors will be kicking themselves for not buying small-caps: Brian Belski | Fox Business Video BMO Capital Markets chief investment strategist Brian Belski joins 'Making Money' to discuss the true influence of mega-cap stocks on markets.

This week’s BMO Capital Markets’ Feature Focus “Valid Fears of Mortgage Arrears?” is now available.
http://spr.ly/6004cjBEy

Attention Lawyers, Doctors, Dentists and Business Owners!

You are likely already aware that new provisions in the Federal Budget have increased the capital gains tax inclusion rate for corporations to 66.67%. The implications of this new provision are more impactful than you may realize.

The new inclusion rate is especially detrimental to incorporated professionals such as lawyers, doctors and dentists who have previously derived benefit from the tax advantages of earning income and investing within a Professional Corporation.

Not only will owners of a Professional Corporation have to pay more tax on a larger amount of realized capital gains, but they will do so on the first dollar of profit generated. This puts utilizing a Professional Corporation at a significant disadvantage to individual taxpayers as it relates to their investment portfolio.

Fortunately, there are solutions available to assist in combating this new problem.

Our team at BMO Private Wealth works with many company owners and incorporated professionals who are specifically seeking to reduce their personal and corporate tax liabilities while simultaneously enhancing their wealth at retirement.

Send me an email and/or message me to find out about certain strategic tax solutions to help you start building and saving more.

It's your money, not theirs!

Marco Liberatore CFP, CIM
[email protected]
Investment Associate
BMO Private Wealth | 3985 Highway 7 East Unit 301 Markham, ON
T: 905-305-1367
C: 416-662-9163

Several years ago, my daughter and I were involved in a major car accident.

The day started like any other day, hustling to get ready as I had a big presentation downtown and wanted to make sure I was prepared.

I ushered my 8-year-old daughter into the back seat child restrainer and my 4-year-old in hers. I then proceeded to drop off my 4-year-old at daycare and was off driving my other to school.

Making a right onto Yonge Street, I suddenly found myself face to face with an SUV driving in the oncoming lane. We were hit head on. The airbag deployed hitting my sternum with such force it knocked the wind out of me. I immediately turned to see my daughter unconscious.

I have never actually written about this because the memory is still very painful.

I then reached over to check her pulse to see if she was still alive. I will never forget the terror or that moment for the rest of my life. Fortunately, the accident happened not even a block from a fire station, so they were able to rush to the scene and were successful in resuscitating my daughter. She was startled and crying as the ambulance arrived. I tried to get closer to comfort her, but I couldn’t move my leg for some reason. I was later informed that my knee was shattered.

There were two teams on the scene, one tending me and my leg as I watched the other team strap my daughter to a gurney and into an ambulance. I felt helpless. She is my daughter. It is my responsibility to keep her safe and take care of her, yet in my condition all I could do was watch.

We were both taken to the nearest hospital, but the doctors soon realized that my daughter’s injuries were more severe and various than they had realized. They then had her rushed to Sick Children’s Hospital. As I lay helpless and worried in my hospital bed, I kept being informed of the various injuries my daughter had sustained. Broken L4 in her spine, a brain hemorrhaging and a broken disfigured nose.

A million thoughts ran through my head. Will she be, ok? Why didn’t I see that SUV earlier? I failed to keep her safe! My one and most important responsibility and I failed her!!

After my knee operation, I was told that her condition had thankfully stabilized. Because there were multiple injuries to different places of her body, the hospital had a medical team tending to my daughter, each specializing in their own field. The Orthopedist wanted to operate on her back to repair the bone, but the plastic surgeon recommended against that because that would mean putting added pressure on her nasal area which also had to be operated on. Then there was the neurologist constantly monitoring her brain hemorrhage to ensure it wasn’t putting more pressure on her brain.

After much consultation they agreed that the best course of action was to put her in a body cast, in the hopes the L4 and L5 would fuse and heal.

A few days later, I was able to leave the hospital and finally visit my daughter. The pain of seeing her in a full body cast and in that condition was terrible but I knew I had to keep her spirits up. The doctors informed us that her back would take weeks to heal but fortunately her brain stopped swelling and they would coordinate with the plastic surgeon to see about her nose area.

Over the next few weeks, I began to realize that this team of doctors tending to my daughter were true heroes. I saw how each specialist worked and coordinated with the other specialists to ensure my daughter’s needs were taken care of.

As her recovery progressed, other specialists entered the picture, including a speech pathologist and a social worker to help with the trauma.

It was truly an incredible effort by everyone involved. I will always be thankful to that hospital and to the various medical staff that helped with my daughter’s healing.

My daughter just turned 22 three weeks ago and has thankfully made a full recovery. She’s in her 3rd year university majoring in Criminology and I am so proud of the young lady she has become.

In my experience, this was a powerful example of teamwork. My daughter was able to heal because each medical staff coordinated to bring together their own strengths and set aside their own egos for one common purpose…my daughter’s health.

One of the most humbling lessons I learned from that experience was that you can’t always do it alone. Sometimes you must trust and rely on the expertise of strangers to achieve what seems like the unachievable.

Some investors I run into do their own investing. Even though they are busy in a completely different line of business they prefer to manage their own investments. I get it.

As an adult, it’s hard to accept the reality that you are not an expert in everything and despite our best efforts, things happen beyond our control. But just like me lying helpless on a gurney, watching medical staff surround my daughter, sometimes you need to trust and rely on the expertise of others.

That reality wasn’t lost on me when I decided to join a team here at BMO Private Wealth.

Each of us have an area of strength and expertise and its only through our coordinated effort and teamwork that we can provide the best service and advice to our clients.

We strive everyday to earn the trust of our clients so that they always feel supported even their darkest hour, just like I felt 14 years ago last month.

Marco Liberatore CFP, CIM
Investment Associate
BMO Private Wealth | 3985 Highway 7 East Unit 301 Markham, ON
T: 905-305-1367
C: 416-662-9163

Learning from the Leafs: Why Passive Strategies Might Not Secure Your Portfolio’s Stanley Cup

I remember when I was a young boy, my father took me to the old Maple Leaf Gardens to watch my very first live hockey game. We sat in the red seats and I was struck by the awesomeness of the arena, the bright lights and the excitement in the atmosphere.

It was a memory I will always treasure.

As I got older, I’ve had the pleasure of taking my dad to a Leaf game or two and while I still cling on to those memories past, it’s hard not to be heartbroken season after season.

So I find myself asking, as an Investment Advisor, “what does this remind me of?”… and then it hit me.

As the Maple Leafs face another disappointing season, it’s hard not to draw parallels between their lackluster performance and the passive strategies often employed in asset management. Year after year, the Leafs seem to repeat the same patterns – relying on the same players, same coaching staff, employing similar tactics and expecting a different result. Success in both hockey and portfolio management and in life really, requires more than just sticking to the same old playbook. Just like the Leafs’ repetitive strategies on the ice, passive investment approaches might leave you dreaming of lifting the Stanley Cup without every really getting close.

Imagine your portfolio as the team vying for hockey’s ultimate prize. Simply holding the same assets without actively managing them is akin to fielding the same lineup year after year and expecting a championship victory. This approach, as we witnessed over the past 8 years, can lead to stagnation and disappointment.

To secure your portfolio’s Stanley Cup, you need to adopt a proactive and adaptive approach to asset management. That involves seizing opportunities, playing defense when required and exploring Alternative Investments to outmaneuver the competition.

It’s time to ask yourself, “is my portfolio actively managed or am I just at the mercy of the market?”

To use another hockey analogy, Wayne Gretzky’s said his secret for success is to go where he thinks the puck is going to be.

Our team at BMO Private Wealth specializes in proactive money management. We look at where the puck is going to be and not react to where it is, to secure your financial success.

Feel free to reach out to our team directly to schedule a meeting and don’t settle for the financial equivalent of a first-round exit.

*Please note alternative investments are not suitable for all clients and are only available to accredited investors*

Marco Liberatore CFP, CIM
Investment Associate
BMO Private Wealth | 3985 Highway 7 East Unit 301 Markham, ON
T: 905-305-1367
C: 416-662-9163

Brian Belski, BMO Capital Markets' Chief Investment Strategist, spoke to BNN Bloomberg about how recent trends in Canada present the opportunity for Canada to outperform U.S. markets.

Momentum in S&P 500 likely to persist: Brian Belski Brian Belski, chief investment strategist of BMO Capital Markets, joins BNN Bloomberg and talks about the momentum in the S&P 500 likely to persist.

We have now reached a moment of truth for at least two major central banks. With the Fed all but certain to keep rates steady at the June FOMC meeting, and most likely in late July as well, the ECB and the Bank of Canada must decide whether to essentially go it alone at rate decisions next week.

Douglas Porter, BMO’s Chief Economist, discusses this and more in his weekly Talking Points commentary, “The First Cut is the Deepest… and the Toughest.” http://spr.ly/6002eocC0

This week’s BMO Capital Markets’ Focus “Girl Power: Impact of Professional Women’s Sport” is now available.
http://spr.ly/6009eo4Jv

Don’t Get Mad, Get Even

Remember when you were a young student, toiling tirelessly in the dim glow of a midnight lamp, fueled by the dream of one day becoming a doctor, lawyer or achieving professional greatness. Each lonely night, bleary-eyed and determined, immersing yourself in study materials, one more exam, one more chapter, one more page. Amid moments of despair, you clung to that belief that your sacrifices will one day yield rewards.

Years later, success has shined upon you, as you helm your own thriving practice, basking in the warmth of family vacations and the comfort of a well-deserved home.

Then one day your triumph is tempered by a sudden blow - the federal government's budgetary decisions demand a larger share of your hard-earned wealth. You need to pay more in corporate tax because they’ve got bills to pay. Why not? You don’t need all of that money you spent years accumulating through your blood, sweat and sometimes tears.

Our team at BMO Private Wealth understands your frustration. We specialize in empowering professionals like yourself navigate these challenges by employing strategies to reclaim what is rightfully yours.

Call us today and seize the opportunity to level the playing field. Don’t get mad, get even.

Marco Liberatore CFP, CIM
Investment Associate
BMO Private Wealth | 3985 Highway 7 East Unit 301 Markham, ON
T: 905-305-1367
C: 416-662-9163
https://nesbittburns.bmo.com/donath.disabatino/

📢 Attention doctors, dentists, and lawyers in Canada!

We hear you loud and clear. The recent increase in capital gains taxes in the new Federal Budget has left many of you feeling disheartened and fed up with the system.

But here’s the good news – our team at BMO Private Wealth is here to turn your frustration into action.

Contact us today, and we'll provide you a free, no-commitment illustration of how an Individual Pension Plan (IPP) could significantly reduce your corporate taxes while boosting your retirement savings.

Don't let tax increases dampen your financial outlook – let us show you how to turn them into opportunities for long-term wealth accumulation.

Marco Liberatore CFP, CIM
Investment Associate
BMO Private Wealth | 3985 Highway 7 East Unit 301 Markham, ON
T: 905-305-1367
C: 416-662-9163

Marco Liberatore, Investment Associate, CFP, CIM Investing Service

BMO looks for a slower rate cut cadence now, from the Fed and the BoC, that will end at higher levels. This ‘higher-for-longer’ profile for policy rates will result in higher bond yields over the forecast horizon.

Michael Gregory, BMO’s Deputy Chief Economist and Managing Director, and Jennifer Lee, BMO’s Senior Economist and Managing Director, discuss this and more in their latest Rates Scenario publication. http://spr.ly/6005bQARW

Our call on the Fed's first rate cut is being pushed back a meeting on the unending wave of warm inflation readings.

Douglas Porter, BMO’s Chief Economist, discusses this and more in his weekly Talking Points commentary, “Torched Prices Department.” http://spr.ly/6002bLFYm

This week’s BMO Capital Markets’ Focus “California Outlook: Dreaming of Better Days” is now available.
http://spr.ly/6003b0rQV

The Inner Child

Once upon a time, in a small town nestled between rolling hills and lush forests, there lived a boy who from a young age, felt like he didn't quite fit in. He was timid, shy, and often felt unworthy compared to the other children.

The boy's upbringing was filled with expectations and pressure to excel in everything he did. His parents, though well-meaning, had their own dreams and ambitions for him, and he felt the weight of those expectations bearing down on him.

As he grew older, he began his career as an Investment Advisor, always striving to be the best for his clients, but his inner world became a battleground. He had different parts of himself vying for control. The critic, the organizer, and the disciplinary emerged as his Protectors, attempting to shield him from the pain of feeling inadequate, would criticize him relentlessly, pushing him to do better and not make mistakes. 'You should know better!" they would yell, but it only served to deepen his feelings of worthlessness.

To cope with the constant barrage of criticism and pressure, the boy who was now a man's Firefighters emerged. They would numb his pain with food and drink, drowning out the voices of his Protectors temporarily. But the relief was short-lived, and soon the Protectors would come back even stronger, shaming the Firefighters for their indulgence.

Caught in this cycle of inner turmoil, the man's hurt child remained hidden and neglected. He longed to be heard, to be understood, and to be healed. But the battle between his internal parts raged on, leaving him feeling more lost and alone than ever.

One day, he stumbled upon the concept of internal family systems. As he delved deeper into understanding his own inner dynamics, he realized that healing could only begin by acknowledging and embracing his inner hurt child.

With the help of a compassionate therapist, the man embarked on a journey of self-discovery and healing. He learned to quiet the voices of his Protectors and Firefighters, creating space for his inner hurt child to express himself.

Through patience, compassion, and self-reflection, the man began to unravel the layers of pain and insecurity that had weighed him down for so long. He learned to love and accept himself, recognizing that his worth was not defined by external achievements or the opinions of others.

We all have an inner child that may be hurting. Maybe today we give him or her some compassion and understanding.

Marco Liberatore CFP, CIM
Investment Associate
BMO Private Wealth | 3985 Highway 7 East Unit 301 Markham, ON
T: 905-305-1367
C: 416-662-9163

🌟 **Turning Losses into Wins: How This Family Regained Confidence with BMO Nesbitt Burns**

In the wake of significant losses stemming from mismanaged investments, this Markham family found themselves grappling with uncertainty and doubt. Their once-promising financial future seemed shrouded in shadows. However, a beacon of hope emerged in the form of Marco, John, and Jeremy, the experience team at BMO Nesbitt Burns.

With a deep understanding of this family's financial landscape, our team embarked on a journey of recovery. Through extensive analysis and strategic planning, we crafted a bespoke investment strategy designed to realign their portfolio with their long-term goals and risk tolerance.

The results were nothing short of remarkable. What once seemed like insurmountable losses transformed into valuable lessons learned. The family now stands on firmer ground, their confidence restored and their financial goals within reach once more.

With Marco, John, and Jeremy guiding the way, this family feels a newfound sense of security. They take comfort in knowing that their investments are in capable hands, ready to weather any storm the market may bring.

Feel free to reach out to our team directly to schedule a meeting. Your financial well-being is our top priority, and we look forward to the possibility of working together.

Marco Liberatore CFP, CIM
Investment Associate
BMO Private Wealth | 3985 Highway 7 East Unit 301 Markham, ON
T: 905-305-1367
C: 416-662-9163
[email protected]

BMO's Douglas Porter and John Waters joined moderator Camilla Sutton to offer their insights on the 2024 Canadian Federal Budget; discussing key elements that may affect the economic outlook over the coming months and significant tax changes. http://spr.ly/6004bT8G6

This week’s BMO Capital Markets’ Feature Focus “Federal Budget: Capital Punishment” is now available.
http://spr.ly/6007bTuYb

Securing Retirement: A Couple's Path to Financial Stability and Confidence Through Alternative Investments

A retired couple who have navigated the ups and downs of the stock market for years, primarily investing in traditional stocks and bonds. However, as retirement approached, they found themselves increasingly concerned about the unpredictability of the market and the potential impact on their financial security.

Seeking stability and growth in their investment portfolio, they recently decided to explore, through our team's guidance at BMO Private Wealth, alternative investments. They diversified their portfolio by allocating a portion of their assets into private real estate investments, private equity funds, hedge funds and structured products

As they embraced these alternative investments, they both noticed a positive shift in their portfolio's performance. The real estate provided consistent dividend income, the private equity funds offered opportunities for long-term growth, while the hedge funds and structure products provided stability and enhanced income.

During periods of market volatility, while their traditional stocks and bonds experienced fluctuations, the alternative investments remained relatively stable, providing a buffer against market downturns. This stability helped alleviate Linda and Kevin's worries about their financial security, allowing them to enjoy their retirement without constant anxiety about market movements.

Furthermore, the alternative investments contributed to the overall growth of their portfolio, complementing their existing holdings and enhancing their long-term financial outlook. With a well-diversified portfolio that includes sound investment strategies like alternative investments, this retired couple found greater peace of mind and confidence in their retirement plan, knowing they were better positioned to weather market uncertainties while still pursuing their financial goals.

Our team here at BMO Private Wealth specializes in helping explain and implement these alternative investment strategies to compliment your existing portfolio.

Feel free to reach out to us directly to schedule a meeting. Your financial well-being is our top priority, and I look forward to the possibility of working together.

Let us help you make this couple's financial security experience, your financial security experience.

*Please note alternative investments are not suitable for all clients and are only available to accredited investors*

Marco Liberatore CFP, CIM
Investment Associate
BMO Private Wealth | 3985 Highway 7 East Unit 301 Markham, ON
T: 905-305-1367
C: 416-662-9163
[email protected]

Finding Financial Peace: Journey to Retirement Confidence with BMO Private Wealth

A retired couple had been happily managing their retirement savings at HSBC for years. However, their financial peace was disrupted when RBC acquired HSBC, and they were assigned a new advisor involuntarily. Concerned about their retirement future and unsure if the new advisor and firm would prioritize their best interests, they felt uncertain about the transition.

Feeling worried and unsure, they turned to us at BMO Private Wealth for guidance. We listened attentively to their concerns and provided them with a detailed financial plan tailored to their goals and aspirations. Through transparent communication and personalized attention, we reassured them that the transition would be smooth, and their trust would be earned every step of the way.

With our support, they felt confident about their financial future once again, knowing that they had a dedicated team committed to helping them achieve their retirement dreams. Let us provide you with the same peace of mind and personalized care that we offered this wonderful couple.

Feel free to reach out to our team directly to schedule a meeting. Your financial well-being is our top priority, and we look forward to the possibility of working together.

Marco Liberatore CFP, CIM
Investment Associate
BMO Private Wealth | 3985 Highway 7 East Unit 301 Markham, ON
T: 905-305-1367
C: 416-662-9163
[email protected]

EXPLORING BEYOND STOCKS and BONDS:
The World of Alternative Investments

Perhaps you’ve heard about “Alternative Investments”. Maybe your current advisor mentioned them to you, or you’ve seen some advertisements.

Did you know that all eight of the biggest Pension Funds in Canada allocate between 20% to 60% of their investments in these "Alternative Investments"? They have ongoing obligations to meet their clients’ retirement needs and so do you.

So what are alternative investments and what do they have to do with my personal nest egg.

Simply put, alternative investments offer a different way to grow your money beyond simply stocks and bonds. They can include things like real estate, private equity, hedge funds, commodities, venture capital, private debt, infrastructure, art and collectibles, derivatives and structured products.

What is good about them is they often have the potential for higher returns and can help spread the risk in your investment portfolio. They are not meant to replace your mutual fund or stock and bond portfolio but enhance it. Think of them like adding new ingredients to your recipe for financial success, giving you more options to achieve your goals.

Our team here at BMO Private Wealth specializes in helping explain and implement these alternative investment strategies to compliment your existing portfolio.

Feel free to reach out to us directly to schedule a meeting. Your financial well-being is our top priority, and I look forward to the possibility of working together.

Marco Liberatore CFP, CIM
Investment Associate
BMO Private Wealth | 3985 Highway 7 East Unit 301 Markham, ON
T: 905-305-1367
C: 416-662-9163
[email protected]

Marco Liberatore, Investment Associate, CFP, CIM Investing Service

🔹 Attention HSBC Clients! 🔹

As you may be aware, HSBC clients have recently been assigned to RBC following the acquisition. I understand this transition can bring about questions and uncertainties.

As an Investment Associate at BMO Nesbitt Burns, I specialize in providing personalized financial advice tailored to your unique goals and aspirations. Whether you're looking to reassess your investment strategy, plan for retirement, or simply explore your options in light of this change, I'm here to help.

I invite you to consider the opportunity to meet with me for a complimentary consultation. Together, we can discuss how to navigate this transition seamlessly and ensure your financial future remains secure.

Feel free to reach out to me directly to schedule a meeting. Your financial well-being is my top priority, and I look forward to the possibility of working together.

Marco Liberatore CFP, CIM
Investment Associate
BMO Private Wealth | 3985 Highway 7 East Unit 301 Markham, ON
T: 905-305-1367
C: 416-662-9163
[email protected]

How far can the Bank of Canada diverge from the Federal Reserve? That question was swirling this week, with some serious separation in policies moving from the merely academic to a real-world possibility.

Douglas Porter, BMO’s Chief Economist, discusses this and more in his weekly Talking Points commentary, “You Take the High Road, and We’ll Take the Low.” http://spr.ly/6008wQPRp

John Waters, Vice President and Director of Tax Consulting Services, BMO Private Wealth, joined BNN Bloomberg to discuss tax changes that may be included in the 2024 Canadian Federal Budget.

Tax changes that could come this Federal budget: Talking Tax with BMO's John Waters John Waters, vice president and director of tax consulting services at BMO Wealth Planning & Advisory Services, joins BNN Bloomberg for Talking Tax. He has four points to watch for on the Canadian Federal budget this upcoming Tuesday.

Brent Joyce, BMO Private Investment Counsel’s Chief Investment Strategist, joined BNN Bloomberg to discuss his latest market outlook following the release of disappointing jobs data in Canada, and a U.S. employment report that topped expectations.

We like TSX amid higher commodities prices and U.S. markets on strong economy: strategist Brent Joyce, chief investment strategist and managing director at BMO Private Investment Counsel, joins BNN Bloomberg for his view on markets following jobs data in Canada and the U.S. Joyce is overweight stocks with preference for TSX and U.S. markets.

For both the job market and inflation, Canada is showing some separation from the U.S., and we suspect that will drive a small separation between BoC and Fed rate policy in coming months.

Douglas Porter, BMO’s Chief Economist, discusses this and more in his weekly Talking Points commentary, “Continental Divide.” http://spr.ly/6006wKkq6

This week’s BMO Capital Markets’ Focus “America’s Industry and State Leaderboards” is now available.
http://spr.ly/6002wKcy6

This week’s BMO Capital Markets’ Focus “Five Pre-Budget Questions, Concerns” is now available.
http://spr.ly/6007Z5mRS

This year has seen stronger-than-expected growth; hotter-than-expected U.S. inflation; a comeback in commodity prices; new record highs for crypto; and, a 10% advance in the S&P 500 for Q1 alone.

Douglas Porter, BMO’s Chief Economist, discusses this and more in his weekly Talking Points commentary, “Wait, What’s Your Rush?” http://spr.ly/6006Z5Wis