JF Tardif: “We’re Definitely Ready” If Markets Turn Ugly

Tariffs are dominating the headlines, but they’re not the biggest risk Jean-François Tardif sees for investors. The President of Timelo Investment Management is cautious on the economy, skeptical that the massive AI spending boom can last and actively positioning for downside.

He explains why he’s short Canadian banks and semiconductors, using puts on the S&P 500 and Nvidia, and preparing his portfolio for what could happen when AI spending eventually rolls over. At the same time, Tardif remains net long equities through gold and oil, explains why he sees gold stocks as significantly more attractive than copper right now and tells us his top gold stock. He also weighs in on the controversial H&R REIT deal, why he calls it a “take-under” and why he’s been buying more shares even as he considers voting against it.

In the mailbag, Tardif goes in depth on the Canadian banks and explains why taking profits in a tax-free account is a 'no-brainer'.  He also talks CAE (CAE), Toromont Industries (TIH), goeasy (GSY) and Propel Holdings (PRL), Champion Iron (CIA), Village Farms International (VFF) and Magna Mining (NICU). Plus, he explains why he’s bearish on parts of the economy, what insider selling can tell investors and where he’s finding opportunities in beaten-down sectors.

In Pro Picks, Tardif revisits last year’s ideas, including Total Energy Services (TOT), which has roughly tripled since his appearance, Calian Group (CGY), up more than 50%, and H&R REIT (HR.UN). Then he reveals three new ideas: Adentra (ADEN), a cash-generating consolidator he believes is cheap even without a housing recovery; Colliers International (CIGI), a former market darling hit by fears over AI and commercial real estate; and Dutch Bros (BROS), a fast-growing coffee chain he believes has the potential to multiply its store count over time.

Subscribe, like and comment for a chance to win some In the Money swag, and now you can buy some merch at our new store! Check it out!  https://inthemoneypod.myshopify.com/

Timestamps

00:00 Trailer

02:17 Introducing JF Tardif

04:17 Canada, the US, and rising tariff tensions

07:54 The AI trade and the risk of peak spending

10:18 Why gold may be more attractive than copper

11:24 Hedging with shorts and put options