We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend spent with friends and family.
The third quarter of 2025 brought encouraging signs that the North American economy is finding better balance. Inflation continued to ease in both Canada and the U.S., giving households and businesses some breathing room after a few challenging years. Growth has slowed slightly, especially in areas like housing and consumer spending, but overall, the economy is holding steady. The Bank of Canada and the U.S. Federal Reserve both lowered interest rates in September.
Stock markets continued to show quiet strength this quarter. In the U.S., the S&P 500 moved higher as technology and energy companies led the way, while in Canada, the TSX posted modest gains thanks to solid performance in financials and resource sectors. Market ups and downs were still common, but overall confidence improved compared to the start of the year.
Bonds also had a better quarter. As inflation cooled and growth slowed, bond yields edged lower, helping prices move up. That created a nice tailwind for both government and high-quality corporate bonds. For investors looking for stability and reliable income, fixed income remains an important part of a balanced portfolio.
Commodities were more active. Oil prices bounced back later in the summer on ongoing supply concerns, and gold prices rose as investors sought safety and stability amid global uncertainty. The Canadian dollar stayed steady, balancing weaker domestic data with improving global sentiment.
As we look toward the final quarter of the year, we’re encouraged by the progress on inflation and the economy’s overall resilience. The timing of rate cuts is still uncertain, but the tone from central banks is slowly shifting toward support. For investors, that means opportunities are emerging—and staying diversified across equities, fixed income, and alternative assets remains a smart approach.
At Aspire Wealth Partners, we remain cautiously optimistic heading into year-end. The economy has shown strength, inflation is trending lower, and the path ahead looks more balanced than it has in some time. If you have any questions or would like to get together to review your situation, please let us know.
Regards,
Mike, Craig, Darren, Paul & Brent