As temperatures have soared across the country over the last few weeks, it seems that summer has finally arrived. In many cases, the hotter temperatures have brought with it volatile weather - like the epic, record amounts of rain we swam through on Monday evening - we apparently had more than a month's rainfall in less than 2 hours - more than 90 millimeters of rainfall was recorded at Pearson International Airport in just two hours. The good news is that Environment Canada is forecasting a calmer, more moderate and dryer second half to the summer, followed by a calm and colourful fall.

This summer’s volatile weather conditions have encouraged travel beyond our Canadian borders (compared to the 'staycation' trend many of us exercised last year. According to travel industry polls, more of us are travelling to American and European destinations - much like our portfolios ought to be doing as well.

Just like you can’t predict the weather, no one knows which asset class, region or sector will perform better than others year-to-year. Canada’s equity markets are relatively small and offer few diversification opportunities for investors beyond its organically three dominant sectors: Energy, Materials and Financials. Just like you might look for interesting vacation opportunities through international travel, the broad array of sectors that are available through key international markets can help to diversify your portfolios and enhance your investment experience. On that note, check out the 35 beaches you should visit in your lifetime.

Enjoy the weekend.

D.

Dian Chaaban

Investment & Wealth Advisor

Chaaban Wealth Management Group

416.842.4234