Investments Unplugged

Macan Nia, Kevin Headland

An insightful and lively podcast that gives you access to ideas and insight from a range of market experts from Manulife Investment Management.(Intended for Advisor Use Only)

Play

Open in

21 episodes
monthly
Avg 35 min
English

Episodes 21

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.

#122
October 16 · 26 min
Episode 122 | Taking advantage of a stock picker’s market
In this episode of Investments Unplugged, host Kevin Headland is joined by two members of Manulife’s Boston-based Capital Appreciation Team: Michael Scanlon, Lead Portfolio Manager, Manulife U.S. Opportunities Fund; and Leigh Pressman, Senior Investment Analyst, focused primarily on technology and “tech-like” companies. The conversation centers on why they view today’s market environment as being particularly ripe for skilled stock selection, including their positioning of high-active-share port
#121
September 4 · 33 min
Episode 121 | “Back-to-school” themed market outlook
In this episode of Investments Unplugged, with autumn almost upon us, host Kevin Headland is joined by U.S.-based Co–Chief Investment Strategists Emily Roland, CIMA, and Matt Miskin, CFA, for a “back-to-school” themed market outlook, along with their latest views on portfolio positioning, for the remainder of 2026 and into 2027. Take a listen for timely, actionable insights that you may be able to apply to client portfolios before year-end.
#120
June 25 · 44 min
Midyear 2026 global macroeconomic outlook: trying to move past the Middle East conflict
In this episode of Investments Unplugged, with the halfway point of the year fast approaching, host Kevin Headland is joined by two guests—Global Chief Economist Alex Grassino and Senior Macro Strategist Dominique Lapointe—who share their midyear 2026 global macroeconomic outlook, along with some market implications for investors to consider in the months ahead. Take a listen for timely, actionable insights that you may be able to apply to client portfolios today.
#119
May 27 · 29 min
Manulife All-in-One ETFs: active at the core, built to adapt
In recent years, as equity markets have delivered strong gains, some investors may have lost sight of why they need a more diversified portfolio. In this episode of Investments Unplugged, host Kevin Headland and guest Alex Richard, Senior Portfolio Manager, Multi-Asset Solutions, examine diversification and asset allocation through the lens of three new “All-in-One” ETF strategies: Manulife Conservative ETF Portfolio, Manulife Balanced ETF Portfolio, and Manulife Growth ETF Portfolio. Take a lis
#118
April 17 · 28 min
Episode 118 | Middle East conflict: evolving dynamics, investment takeaways
In this episode of Investments Unplugged, hosts Kevin Headland and Macan Nia resume their dialogue around the geopolitical turmoil that continues to command center stage in the Middle East. They discuss the conflict there in terms of its ongoing impact on oil prices, market volatility, and investor behavior, as well as the opportunities that may now exist—particularly in the technology sector—as equity valuations have come down. Take a listen for timely, actionable insights you can bring to cl
#117
March 25 · 32 min
Episode 117 | Timely perspective on turmoil in the Middle East
When tensions rise in the Middle East, the effects often show up quickly not only in energy prices, but also in the costs of other goods and services. That’s why the turmoil now unfolding in that part of the world is worrisome to consumers and investors alike. In this episode of Investments Unplugged, hosts Kevin Headland and Macan Nia frame today’s Middle East conflict in the context of past geopolitical events and examine its current dynamics, including developments in the key Strait of Hormuz
#116
March 5 · 34 min
Episode 116 | “Womenomics” and investing for longevity
Long-term macro trends such as aging demographics and persistent inflation have shone a spotlight on the growing importance of longevity risk. As a leader in longevity research, Manulife has found that women face even greater odds of financial shortfalls in retirement than men do. With that in mind, for this episode of Investments Unplugged, hosts Kevin Headland and Macan Nia invited Erica Camilleri, Director, Multi-Asset Solutions, to discuss the critical considerations necessary when investing
#115
February 11 · 36 min
Episode 115 | RRSP vs. TFSA, beneficiary pitfalls, and much more: timely tax and estate strategies with John Natale
Hosts Kevin Headland and Macan Nia recently sat down with John Natale, Head of Tax, Retirement & Estate Planning Services at Manulife, to unpack: • The real world trade offs between registered retirement savings plans (RRSPs) and tax-free savings account (TFSAs); • Why successor holder designations can spare families tax and paperwork; • A time sensitive spousal RRSP contribution opportunity after a death; • Cross border (U.S.) TFSA considerations; • Using segregated funds as a liquidity “cas
#114
January 15 · 31 min
Episode 114: Fearless forecasts—does improbable mean impossible?
Some industry predictions may seem outlandish—or even impossible. But does that mean they’re not worth considering? Kick off 2026 with Kevin and Macan, as they explore consensus- defying predictions that may sound absurd, but warrant closer examination. Listen in as they examine the logic behind some of industry's boldest predictions, challenging listeners to rethink what’s truly possible. From a potential 50% surge in gold prices to an S&P 500 Index that could endure a bear market and still fin
#113
Dec 5, 2025 · 43 min
Episode 113: 2025 in the rearview—are markets in for another strong year?
2025 has been nothing short of extraordinary for the short-term investor. Momentum trading, trend-following strategies, AI exuberance, and crypto continue to take center stage. But as the year comes to a close, one question remains: how likely is it that this will continue into the new year? Like a Facebook relationship status—our guests say it’s complicated. In this episode of Investments Unplugged, co-chief investment strategists Kevin Headland and Macan Nia are joined by their cross-border co
#112
Nov 3, 2025 · 36 min
Episode 112| Curveballs, candies, and shutdowns—navigating an eventful October
The Blue Jays were swinging for the fences, but investors are facing numerous curveballs of their own. In our latest episode of Investments Unplugged, Kevin and Macan step up to the plate to tackle some of the most frequently asked questions from the road: the real impact of the U.S. government shutdown, the rally in gold prices, and what’s really driving bond yields. To add a festive twist, our dynamic hosts also go off- script to share their thoughts on trick-or-treating budgets, Halloween c
#111
Sep 29, 2025 · 34 min
Episode 111 | Recession risks, tariffs, and market disparities: a candid view from behind the scenes
Policy uncertainty, softening economic data, and shifting market dynamics are raising important questions about the outlook for markets and the economy. Join our dynamic hosts Kevin Headland and Macan Nia as they welcome our very own Chief Investment Officer and Senior Portfolio Manager Nathan Thooft to the podcast for the very first time. In this candid, in-depth conversation, Nathan shares his views on everything from recession risks and tariff impacts to asset allocation, fixed-income strateg
#110
Aug 26, 2025 · 37 min
Episode 110 | Back to school, back to business
We’re just weeks away from yet another school year—but not before Macan heads out on a last-minute vacation. Will Kevin be forced to deal with a market fallout in his absence? Join our dynamic co-chief investment strategists as they joke about the market’s tendency to correct when Macan is out of office. Listen in as they weigh the balance of risks affecting the global economy and discuss what corporations are saying about today’s market environment. Get the scoop on markets and the economy as
#109
Jul 28, 2025 · 33 min
Episode 109 | Behind the headlines: a deep dive into the latest stories
Summer has officially kicked into high gear, and many of us are looking to wind down and bask in the heat. Yet, headlines continue to pour in—making it important to stay on top of market developments. Join our dynamic Co-Chief Investment Strategists Kevin Headland, CIM, and Macan Nia, CFA, as they weigh in on some of the latest news stories, including U.S. dollar weakness, rate cut prospects amid mounting political pressures, and the broader implications of the U.S. administration’s One Big
#108
Jun 26, 2025 · 33 min
Episode 108: Half-year outlook—all eyes on the second half of 2025
Warmer days are on the horizon, and while many of us are planning our next vacation spots, others are looking back at the half year and recalibrating their portfolios for what lies ahead. What happened to markets in the first half of the year? What can we expect as we move into the year’s final stretch? Tune in to our new podcast episode as our Co-Chief Investment Strategists Kevin Headland and Macan Nia discuss the opportunities and risks affecting the global economy, including U.S. tariff pol
#107
May 26, 2025 · 33 min
Episode 107: The future of the U.S. dollar: dissecting the Mar-a-Lago Accord
Is the greenback currently at an inflection point? Listen in as our Capital Markets Strategy Team weighs in on the U.S. administration’s proposed economic and trade initiatives, including the Mar-a-Lago Accord—a modern echo of the 1985 Plaza Accord. Explore the implications of devaluing the U.S. dollar in today’s global economy and learn more about trade deficits and some of the bold ideas from White House chief economist Stephen Miran. Can the U.S. dollar maintain its reserve currency status? I
#106
Apr 21, 2025 · 41 min
Episode 106: U.S. trade policy in review—how “Liberation Day” tariffs roiled markets
The magnitude of the U.S. administration’s “Liberation Day” tariffs surely caught investors off guard. How did markets react to the news? Will U.S. trade policy reshape global trade dynamics? Join our Co-Chief Investment Strategists Kevin Headland and Macan Nia as they discuss the market’s strong reaction to President Trump’s announcement on April 2. Is this a policy play or part of a deeper structural shift? How will upcoming congressional outreach factor into the evolving economic picture? S
#105
Mar 27, 2025 · 30 min
Episode 105: Europe front and center—is capital beginning to flow overseas?
European equities have recently outpaced their U.S. counterparts, setting the stage for a potential resurgence in overseas markets. Is this the start of a significant rotation into European equities? Join our Co-Chief Investment Strategists, Kevin Headland and Macan Nia, as they underscore the current momentum driving European equities and discuss improvements in European manufacturing. Find out how a significant rise in defense spending across various European countries could help stimulate t
#104
Mar 5, 2025 · 50 min
Episode 104: Navigating tariffs, policy and Canada-U.S. trade tensions
Rising tensions, evolving trade policies, and potential tariffs have sparked widespread discussions—even going as far as rallying hockey fans on both sides of the Canada-US border. Are these policies merely a negotiation tactic, or do they signal a shift in North American trade dynamics? Join our Co-Chief Investment Strategists, Kevin Headland and Macan Nia, as they explore the latest trade developments and their potential implications for Canadian investors. In an in-depth conversation with Dom
#103
Jan 28, 2025 · 32 min
Episode 103: 2025 at a glance—what’s in store for investors?
2025 is in full swing! What can we expect from equity and fixed income markets as the year gradually unfolds? Our first podcast episode of 2025 is an absolute must-listen. Hear from our Co-Chief Investment Strategists Kevin Headland and Macan Nia, as they delve into the opportunities and challenges shaping the market landscape this year. Can we expect some volatility up ahead? No matter what’s in store for investors in the coming months, it’s important not to get overly cautious or fearful. Sta

Showing 1–20 of 21 episodes