The Merits of Hanging In (& Why April Felt So Bad)
It’s been a wild ride this year – and we’re only halfway through. If April’s market movements felt unsettling, you weren’t mistaken. While volatility is a natural part of equity markets, the magnitude of April’s decline was unusual. A two-day drop of more than 10 percent in the S&P 500, seen over April 3 and […]
The Illusion of Speed
It has been said that “there are decades where nothing seems to happen, and there are weeks where decades happen.” The sweeping global tariffs, announced by the U.S. on April’s “Liberation Day,” caught the world off guard – disrupting long-held norms in global trade and world order. This may signal the beginning of a new […]
Four Perspectives on the Investment Impact of the U.S. Election
Politics and money are never far apart. Election years frequently bring about questions surrounding changes to public policies, potential regulatory shifts and the ensuing effects on the markets and economy. This year’s U.S. election has been no exception, with investors keeping a close eye on possible changes that could influence industries, sectors and the overall […]
Half Full or Half Empty?
How do you view the glass – half full or half empty? This question aptly captures the dual nature of sentiment today. On one hand, our standard of living is among the highest in history, fuelled by technological advances, improved quality of life, substantial and growing wealth and increased life expectancy. On the other hand, […]
Does the Dow Matter? What’s in an Index
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA or Dow) is one of the most widely watched stock market indices and the second oldest in the world. Created in 1986 by Charles Dow, then editor of the Wall Street Journal, it originally comprised 12 companies from traditional heavy industries, such as Chicago Gas and National Lead, giving […]
Three Perspectives On Our Higher Cost of Living
With higher inflation, the increasing cost of living has been top of mind for many Canadians. While there has been good news on the inflation front given continuing signs of easing, here are three perspectives on our rising cost pressures. 1. Today, less of our paycheques go to necessities. Despite a substantial rise in […]
Dow at One Million?
When the Dow Jones Industrial Average (Dow) crossed a new high of 40,000 in May, it achieved a milestone that appeared implausible given recent popular sentiment. Just two years earlier, central banks were still on the path of aggressively hiking rate to curb inflation. Gloomy equity market forecasts abounded. Fast forward to today, and interest […]
Summary: 2023 Fall Economic Statement
On November 21, 2023, Canada’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, delivered the 2023 Fall Economic Statement (FES 2023), a mid-fiscal year update that was narrower in focus than previous economic statements. FES 2023 highlighted key metrics of the Canadian economy and attempted to address two key challenges: Canada’s housing […]