In this episode of InFocus, TriCert Investment Counsel portfolio manager Candis Fitch, CIM®, CIWM, sits down with Chief Investment Officer and fellow portfolio manager, Brian Durno, CFP®, CFA®, to break down two sectors that continue to play a stabilizing role in diversified portfolios: consumer staples and healthcare.
They discuss what recent fundamentals are showing and how dividend strength and quality metrics help guide sector selection. They also explain why defensive areas like staples and healthcare can support long-term portfolio resilience.
The conversation also explores inflation pressures, policy uncertainty in healthcare, and how advancements in AI are shaping research and development across the industry.
Recorded on November 18, 2025
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Brian Durno, CFP®, CFA®
As CIO, Brian leads the organization in following a quality sector-based investment approach for all client portfolios. He joined TriCert Investment Counsel in 2016 as a Portfolio Manager, responsible for building client portfolios with a disciplined, value-oriented investment approach. Brian earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Queen’s University in 1995. He is a member of the CFA Institute and the CFA Society of Ottawa, a Certified Financial Planner, and a Chartered Financial Analyst charterholder.
