Christine Poole, the seasoned co-chief investment officer at Davis Rea, isn’t one to be shaken by headlines. And lately, the headlines have been nothing short of chaotic. With U.S. President Donald Trump reigniting trade tensions on April 2 with a heavy-handed tariff barrage, financial markets responded exactly how you’d expect—by tanking. The selloff was sharp, immediate, and loud. Investors braced for impact. But just as quickly, the administration backpedaled, issuing a 90-day pause on the most punishing trade measures—though notably excluding China from the softening stance.
This whipsaw policy direction has left markets spinning. The introduction of a baseline 10 percent tariff and later exemptions on consumer electronics may suggest a more flexible White House than first imagined. Still, the message is clear: uncertainty is now a permanent fixture in the landscape, and investor confidence is fraying.
Tariffs, Stagflation, and the Price of Uncertainty
Christine Poole’s latest market outlook pulls no punches. The economic consequences of these sudden tariff shocks are already in motion. When costs for imported goods spike, companies have little choice but to pass those costs on to consumers. Higher prices mean weaker purchasing power, and weaker purchasing power drags down growth. That’s not inflation—that’s stagflation: the economic nightmare of slowing GDP growth with rising prices.
This environment makes forward planning incredibly difficult for businesses, particularly those in capital-intensive sectors. Hiring slows. Investment decisions get shelved. Consumer sentiment dips. The result is a foggy outlook for corporate earnings and a sustained increase in volatility for equities.
A Calm Hand in the Storm
In this climate, Christine Poole offers a grounded and practical strategy: stay diversified, stay long-term, and stay focused on quality. It’s advice seasoned investors have heard before, but it has never been more relevant. Markets might be messy right now, but time in the market still beats timing the market. That’s where Poole’s top picks come in—steady, proven companies positioned to ride out the turbulence and emerge stronger.
CGI: Quiet Strength in the IT World
CGI Inc., trading on the TSX under the symbol GIB.A, is a name that doesn’t often dominate headlines—but maybe it should. A global heavyweight in IT services, CGI offers clients a mix of outsourcing and consulting solutions, with revenues evenly split across its two major business lines. That balance gives CGI a degree of insulation that’s becoming increasingly rare in today’s tech environment.
The company’s geographic and sector diversification is a significant strength. As a result, it’s able to weather sector-specific or regional slowdowns with far less disruption than competitors. More importantly, CGI is now beginning to reward shareholders with a dividend—a sign of confidence in its long-term financial trajectory. While the initial yield sits modestly at 0.4 percent, it’s a positive development for long-term investors focused on total return rather than short-term hype.
JPMorgan: King of the American Financial Jungle
Christine Poole’s second top pick is no stranger to Wall Street prestige. JPMorgan Chase, the largest bank in the United States, continues to impress under the steady leadership of Jamie Dimon and his team. The firm’s operations span the full spectrum of financial services—from investment banking to consumer lending, from wealth management to corporate advisory. It is, quite simply, an American financial institution with global influence.
What makes JPMorgan stand out in today’s uncertain environment is its track record of resilience. Time and again, it has outperformed through economic cycles, thanks to disciplined risk management and a strategic focus on sustainable growth. As interest rates fluctuate and policy winds shift, JPMorgan’s balance sheet strength offers a powerful shield. The current dividend yield of 2.4 percent is a bonus, giving income-focused investors a compelling reason to hold tight.
RTX Corp: Aerospace Muscle Meets Defense Demand
Rounding out Poole’s top picks is RTX Corp, a juggernaut in aerospace and defense. With a portfolio that stretches from advanced avionics and aircraft engines to missile systems and communications tech, RTX is deeply embedded in both commercial aviation and military spending pipelines. That dual exposure is particularly advantageous in 2025.
On one side, global air travel continues its post-pandemic renaissance, with airlines racing to modernize fleets and increase capacity. On the other, geopolitical tensions are driving up defense budgets in key markets. Nations across Europe and Asia are boosting procurement orders, seeking both deterrence and technological superiority. RTX is right in the middle of that boom.
The stock’s dividend yield stands at a comfortable 1.9 percent—not the highest, but solid for a company reinvesting heavily in R&D and strategic acquisitions. For investors looking to ride the intersection of innovation, defense, and infrastructure, RTX is a compelling long-term play.
Long-Term Thinking in Short-Term Chaos
If there’s a message behind Christine Poole’s current picks, it’s this: invest in businesses with real-world moats, consistent cash flow, and the ability to adapt. The market is in flux, battered by forces most retail investors can’t control. But by choosing well-managed, diversified companies like CGI, JPMorgan, and RTX Corp, investors can position themselves for smoother sailing once the storm eventually passes.
This isn’t a time for speculation or chasing fads. It’s a time to build portfolios with purpose—to plant oak trees, not gamble on the wind. And as Poole reminds us, those who stay invested, stay diversified, and stay disciplined will harness the full power of compounding when clarity returns.
Conclusion
Christine Poole's top picks—CGI, JPMorgan Chase, and RTX Corp—aren’t about chasing the next big thing. They’re about building a portfolio that can survive and thrive, even when the macro picture looks uncertain. From IT stability to financial leadership and aerospace power, these companies represent sectors that matter, with management teams that know how to play the long game. In a world of noise, these are the signals worth tuning into.
