Summer Edition, Market Insights

Bill’s Blog | August 3, 2026

As I have warned throughout the year, market volatility persists in many asset classes (commodities, interest rates, food prices, real estate, stocks (tech/IA) and bond markets and at the gas pump, to name a few). So, what is one to do? I recommend being proactive, staying alert, seeking wise counsel before making major financial decisions and making necessary adjustments to your budget and wealth plan. These are not the days to be complacent. We are seeing the profound impacts of wars and a super El Niño, and countries under the weight of enormous debts (as we saw last week with the crashing Japanese Yen and the global intervention. So, let’s get practical and discuss several important considerations, opportunities and observations as we enjoy the last couple of months of summer.

1. 1. Precious Metals: We had a major crash at the end of January 2026 (Gold down 30% and Silver 50%), a consolidation period, and now prices are nearing their bottom before the next surge higher. Gold around $4000 US or below is an excellent entry point, and silver sub-$60 US is a great time to build or add to your current position. There is very little downside risk, but huge upside potential over the next few years. Silver has strong technical support in the $52 to $50 USD range, and gold in the $3800 to $3500 range. Remember, gold and silver have no counterparty risk if you own physical and have vaulted outside the banking system. China made a major strategic move last week by banning non-physical precious metal ETF’s and paper derivatives from its financial system. Why does this matter? China is the largest producer and owner of Gold in the world. They have built a precious metals financial system to break ties with the USA and many Western nations. The precious metal traders (Big banks, the USA COMEX and Britain’s LBMA) have used the paper markets for decades to manipulate and suppress the price of gold and silver. China requires physical metal to back every trade, and this will eventually break the back of the paper markets. Who wants paper gold? When you can have physical metal delivered to a world-class vault on your behalf! Eastern nations have been acquiring massive tonnage of physical gold and silver for over 10 years, as they have witnessed the ongoing devaluation of their currencies. The same is playing out in Canada and all nations! Central banks continue to buy large tonnage of gold to diversify and protect their balance sheets (1/3 of global annual production) and now own more gold than US Treasuries. I recommend you do the same as I have done for the last 16 years: start purchasing and build a sizable position and have it vaulted with Brink’s. Why? All metals are audited, insured, allocated in your name only, segregated, and liquid. I recently started purchasing more at these discounted prices. I provide a discounted price from retail for all of my clients (Canada and USA) with Border Gold, as one of the most trusted and experienced bullion dealers in North America.

1. 1. Travel Insurance: Most people love to travel, as my wife and I do. You must have comprehensive travel insurance, given the dramatic consequences of the current Super El Niño that will persist into 2027. We are seeing crazy weather all over the globe (massive fires, flooding, extreme heat and travel interruptions). WestJet employees have left travellers stranded due to a strike. It is important to have Travel Cancellation Insurance and Travel Interruption coverage along with your Emergency Health coverage. Yes, it will be more expensive, but without them you could lose the entire cost of the trip! If you are planning a trip outside of the province or country, please reach out to me, and I can find the right carrier and plan for you.

1. 1. Active Portfolio Management: For years now, I have worked with Accilent Capital under a referral agreement. With the increasingly volatile markets, active portfolio management is wise for a portion of my clients’ wealth. Mark Taucar and his portfolio team have done an excellent job protecting my clients’ wealth and ensuring stable income for those who require it. Mark will take on new clients with a 250K entry point for individuals or family combined assets. Mark brought on Patrick last year, who worked with Sprott Asset Management for many years, adding depth to the team. Patrick will bring on new clients with a 100K entry level. If you would like an introductory call with either Mark or Patrick to discuss the possibility of them managing your wealth, please let me know, and I will facilitate the call. https://fivefoldfinancial.ca/solutions/accilent-capital-management-inc-discretionary-portfolio-management-actively-managed/

1. 1. Japanese Yen Bailout: Why is this important? Countries that have buried themselves in DEBT are facing increasing economic crises. Japan is at the head of the class for decades of massive money printing (creating bonds), and the outcome is devaluing its currency, the Yen. Japan has faced serious deflation for decades, and its central bank borrowed like madmen to keep the facade going. Last year the trend reversed, and their bond yields went up fast, causing large interest rate hikes and inflation. I have often said, debt really doesn’t matter until the day it does! The Yen recently dropped 4% in a very short period, and that may not sound like a lot, but it is huge for currency fluctuation and what it means for the economy. As a currency becomes worthless, it gets more expensive to trade internationally, especially with the USA. 70 % of the world’s trade is done in USD, and the Japanese Central Bank had a choice. Sell large amounts of US Treasuries (Japan is the 4th largest holder of US Treasuries in the world) and buy US dollars (which creates a crisis for the US Treasury), or they needed a bailout. Scott Beasant (US Treasury Secretary) chose to sell a large amount of the Euro and buy the Japanese Yen, which strengthened the Yen (short-term anyway). We will see more of these interventions in over-indebted countries or Sovereign debt defaults in the coming months and years. Understanding what is going on in the global markets actually really does matter if you want to protect your wealth.

So, there you have it: three actionable steps for you to consider. I hope you have a wonderful rest of the summer with family and friends.

All the best in the 2nd half of 2026, but keep your seat belt on!

Bill Westmacott, Owner, Fivefold Financial, Life Insurance Broker (BC), and many wealth solutions to ensure you have balanced and complete wealth strategies.