Feb 4, 2026
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.