James Arnold, CFA
Vice President, Portfolio Manager
Area of Focus
- Corporate credit
- Government bonds
In investing, you can never hide from your results. James learned this lesson early on when he was participating in stock market competitions during university. James’ appreciation for a long-term, value-based approach to investing was cemented during these competitions as short-term performance was often uncorrelated to the quality or depth of research. For James, one of the most fascinating aspects of credit investing is examining the unique risks and characteristics of debt securities alongside company and industry analysis. While company fundamentals, and not macro-events, are the foundation of Burgundy’s investment theses, the close link between macroeconomic conditions and bond prices adds a welcome layer of analysis to the credit investing process.
Burgundy Experience
- Joined Burgundy in 2017
- Appointed a Vice President in 2018
- Previous roles include: Credit Investment Analyst
Relevant Experience
- 15+ years of combined professional experience
- Experience includes positions at: DBRS Ltd., Morningstar Research Ltd., Senior Portfolio Manager of fixed income investments at Canada Post Corp.
Education
- CFA charterholder
- Honours Bachelor of Business Administration (Finance), Wilfrid Laurier University
Memberships and Community
- Board Member, Scarborough Health Network Foundation
- Chair, Investment Committee, Scarborough Health Network Foundation
- Member, CFA Society Toronto
- Member, CFA Institute
POSTS FROM THIS AUTHOR
One Bond at a Time: Burgundy’s Credit Approach
The Journal | February 2025
Whether you are an individual or institutional investor, credit—and the income it generates—can play an important role in a well-diversified portfolio. For over 20 years, Burgundy has remained com...
Correlation Breakdown
The Journal | September 2022
You may be wondering why bondholders are on such shaky ground lately. Hear Portfolio Manager James Arnold explore how we got here and where we might be headed. 2022 has been...
Prices on the Rise
The Journal | November 2021
After a decade of low inflation, the pandemic has reawakened investor fears around rapidly rising prices. Whether you are paying at the pump, shopping at the supermarket, or picking up...
Active Management vs. Passive Investing: A Fixed Income Perspective
The Journal | December 2020
When comparing the debt markets to the S&P 500 Index, famed financial journalist James Grant called them “illiquid and inefficient,” adding that it’s “part of their charm.” While...
Are We In For A Wave of Inflation?
The Journal | November 2020
To cap off our series on fixed income in a low interest rate environment, Portfolio Manager James Arnold evaluates the likelihood of runaway inflation and explores the case for continued...
Investing In A Low Interest Rate Environment
The Journal | November 2020
With yields on fixed income portfolios near all-time lows, COVID-19 has added to the investment challenges facing many individual investors and organizations. Investment Counsellor Philip Doyle and Po...
Why Bonds?
The Journal | November 2020
In today’s environment of low interest rates, Portfolio Manager James Arnold tackles the million-dollar question in fixed income by breaking down the fundamental reasons for why investors should own...
A Bondholder’s Guide to Grading Desolate Dining Rooms and Vacant Venues
The Journal | June 2020
Amid COVID-19 uncertainty, Portfolio Manager James Arnold provides insight into the elusive world of bonds. In this educational piece, James sheds light on the role of ratings and offers perspective...