Reflections & Resources

Investors focused on equities and enjoyed spectacular performance over the last three months, including last month. From an economic news perspective, it was a relatively calm month. Conditions that had been in place continued their paths as indicators held their trajectory. Employment remained soft, inflation ticked upward, and central banks cut rates as a result.

As autumn settles in, it’s a perfect time to take stock of the year and prepare for what’s ahead. In this issue, we explore the bifurcation in investor sentiment—where AI-driven optimism meets cautious valuation concerns. We unpack how artificial intelligence is reshaping productivity and capital markets, and why today’s tech giants differ from past bubbles. You’ll also find timely insights on rising education costs, year-end tax planning strategies, and the importance of safeguarding estate documents. Whether you’re navigating market exuberance or planning for family and legacy, this season offers a chance to align your financial goals with clarity and purpose.

The TSX was the clear star among North American equity indexes last month, moving nearly 5 per cent above its closing value at the end of July.  Not only did it best the S&P 500, Dow and NASDAQ in August, it leads all of them in year-to-date and one-year performance.  This has occurred despite the threats and imposition of tariffs from the U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration, and the recently muted response from the Canadian government.

Equity indexes had a productive month.  New all-time highs were reached several times by the TSX, S&P 500 and the NASDAQ.  The Dow nearly achieved the same feat.  The effects of President Donald Trump’s global trade war have not had significant effects on nations, yet.  For major economies the negotiated or imposed tariffs have not been implemented, or have not been in-place long enough, for inflationary, employment and output effects to have materialized.