Global markets keep climbing despite geopolitical tension, shifting rate expectations, and nonstop headlines—but how should you actually build an ETF portfolio in this environment? According to Ryan Lewenza, it all comes back to one thing: earnings. Strong revenue growth, record profit margins, and resilient fundamentals are what continue to power equities higher, even as uncertainty lingers. In this episode of In the Money with Amber Kanwar, Amber sits down with the Senior Portfolio Manager, Private Client Group from Turner Investments to break down how to construct a disciplined ETF portfolio around what actually drives returns—and why chasing narratives like AI without earnings support can be a mistake.

In the Mailbag, Ryan answers your ETF questions with a focus on real portfolio construction. For commodity exposure, he highlights the iShares S&P/TSX Global Base Metals ETF (XBM) and the SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF (XME). On energy hedging, he explains why trying to pick Brent vs. WTI is overthinking it, and instead suggests broad exposure. He’s not a fan of the ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK), pointing to weak long-term performance, and prefers simple growth exposure through the Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ) or Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLK). For private market and IPO exposure, he points to Fidelity Global Innovators ETF (FINN), while defensive investors can look at BMO Low Volatility Canadian Equity ETF (ZLB). Income seekers, meanwhile, should consider the Invesco Canadian Dividend Index ETF (PDC), and for housing exposure, he mentions the SPDR S&P Homebuilders ETF (XHB)—though timing depends heavily on interest rates.

In Pro Picks, Ryan lays out a clear ETF blueprint built around where he sees the next rotation. He highlights the Vanguard Value ETF (VTV) as a core play on value stocks as leadership shifts away from growth. To capture the AI-driven power demand theme, he likes the BMO SPDR Utilities Select Sector Index ETF (ZXLU), calling utilities a “wimpy way to play AI” with both defensive and growth characteristics. And for international upside, he points to the Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF (FLKR), driven by semiconductor exposure and still benefiting from the global AI buildout. The message is simple: build around earnings, stay diversified, and don’t overcomplicate what ultimately drives returns.

Timestamps
00:00 Trailer

02:05 Intro
03:00 It’s earnings, earnings, earnings
06:20 What could take the market down? Will rates tip it over?
08:10 Will oil hit $150?
09:40 But is this time different? What’s the new normal because of AI?
11:20 What does Ryan’s portfolio look like?
14:35 What is safety these days?
16:20 Ryan expects a big rotation out of U.S. into Canada
18:05 Hamilton ETFs: MIX
20:10 ITM Mailbag: Mining ETFs: XBM, XME

22:10 Thoughts on a Brent Oil ETF
23:25 Cathie Wood’s ARK innovation ETF

25:05 Passive vs. Active management

27:10 Exposure to upcoming IPOs like SpaceX? FINN
29:10 Low volatility ETF (ZLB)

30:50 Income seeking ETF (PDC)
32:30 U.S. housing & construction

34:30 Ryan’s Pro Picks & How to Choose the Best ETFS ( VTV, FLKR)

Sponsors

For over 25 years, Raymond James has been helping Canadians achieve their financial goals. Visit https://raymondjames.ca today to discover how you can live a life well planned.

Pro Picks is brought to you by ATB Financial. Visit https://ATB.com/inthemoney for more information

The mailbag is sponsored by Hamilton ETFs. For more information on the Hamilton Enhanced Mixed Asset Allocation ETF visit: https://hamiltonetfs.com/etf/mix/

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DISCLAIMERS

The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or professional advice.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of any organization or company. The host and guests may maintain positions in any securities discussed on the podcast. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor or professional before making any investment decisions.

Hamilton ETFs Disclaimer

This podcast is sponsored by Hamilton ETFs. The information contained herein should not be construed as investment advice or considered as a recommendation to purchase or sell the mentioned securities.

The index performance returns are for informational purposes only and are not indicative of the future returns of the ETF. The returns do not reflect any management fees, transaction costs or expenses. Investors cannot invest directly in an index.

Certain statements contained in this podcast may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information may relate to a future outlook and anticipated distributions, events or results and may include statements regarding future financial performance. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by terms such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “intend” or other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. Actual results may vary from such forward-looking information. Hamilton ETFs undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or other such factors which affect this information, except as required by law.

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Source: S&P Global, Solactive AG, Hamilton ETFs. Data from November 18, 2004, to April 30, 2026.

The Solactive Hamilton Mixed Asset Index (SOLHAMMA) vs. the S&P 500 Total Return Index with annual compounded total returns and the potential impact of 1.25x leveraged exposure to SOLHAMMA. This is discussed for informational purposes only and intended to demonstrate the historical impact of the indexes compound growth rate. It is not a projection of future index performance, nor does it reflect potential returns on investments in the ETF. Investors cannot directly invest in the index. All performance data assumes reinvestment of distributions and excludes management fees, transaction costs, and other expenses which would have impacted an investor’s returns. SOLHAMMA data prior to March 14, 2025, is hypothetical back-tested data using actual historical market data. Actual performance may have been different had the index been live during that period.

The S&P 500 Index (“Index”) and associated data are a product of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, its affiliates and/or their licensors a...