In this episode, we speak to portfolio manager Darren Lekkerkerker to get an update on the North American Equity Plus Fund, his thoughts on the current market environment, and what industries are market drivers in his mind. Darren says the economy continues to be resilient even though rates have not come down as expected earlier this year. Company earnings have accelerated, and we’ve seen differentiation between sectors and within sectors. Darren says this environment has been good for him because he is primarily a stock picker where he focuses more on the micro side rather than the macro environment factors. In terms of his investment style and stock picking strategy, Darren continues to look for high quality companies that have a competitive advantage, that are growing over time and have demonstrated superior return on invested capital, ideally rising over time. Darren adds that technology and AI are big market drivers and what he’s focuses on the fund. He owns software - constellation software, Microsoft and Nvidia. He is also invested in the industrial sectors including engineering and design companies. He believes they will benefit from massive fiscal infrastructure acts in the US. Darren points out he doesn’t hold any Canadian banks in his fund. At the moment, he is nervous about the Canadian economy compared to the US. He is concerned about the Canadian consumer since they are more interest rate sensitive than their US counterparts and because of our mortgage market structure in Canada.   Recorded on June 12th,  2024.   At Fidelity, our mission is to build a better future for Canadian investors and help them stay ahead. We offer investors and institutions a range of innovative and trusted investment portfolios to help them reach their financial and life goals. Fidelity mutual funds and ETFs are available by working with a financial advisor or through an online brokerage account. Visit fidelity.ca/howtobuy for more information. For the third year in a row, FidelityConnects by Fidelity Investments Canada was ranked the #1 podcast by Canadian financial advisors in the 2023 Environics’ Advisor Digital Experience Study.