Recent headlines about the escalating conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States have understandably created anxiety for investors. News coverage can make it feel as though markets are entering a dangerous new phase.
However, history and current economic conditions suggest a more measured perspective.
2025 turned out to be a very good year for diversified investors. Most major stock markets finished higher, and portfolios benefited from staying invested despite plenty of headlines and uncertainty along the way. In Canada, the story was especially strong. The...
The first half of 2025 has certainly kept investors on their toes. Global markets experienced a “Global Reset” in expectations amid trade-war escalations, shifting monetary and fiscal policies, and persistent inflation concerns. In this midyear newsletter, we’ll recap...
Until January 2025, Ontario physicians were on their own to plan and fund their retirement. OMA has now opened up HOOPP. Should it be a part of your retirement strategy?
Going to the polls, easing inflation and equity markets performing well. Looking at the factors in play for 2024.
As we start the new year, let’s quickly review 2023. Investors faced many challenges last year, including elevated inflation, interest-rate hikes, geopolitical conflicts, and a slowing global economy. That said, those who were patient and rode out the volatility were...
It’s fair to say that everyone is happy to see September end, at least from an investing standpoint. It was a month full of market volatility due to stickier inflation data and the U.S. Federal Reserve’s commitment to higher-for-longer interest rates. The markets had been expecting central banks to already be discussing rate cuts, but that hasn’t been the case. On top of that, September tends to be one of the worst months historically for the stock market, and this year was no different.
Near the end of September, the markets were looking toward the risk of a government shutdown, that ended up being kicked down the road.
The likelihood of a recession in Canada is a topic creating buzz among experts. Accountancy firm RSM Canada projects a 60% chance of a recession occurring by the end of 2023, although they believe it would be relatively mild and short-lived. They anticipate that specific sectors, like the labour market, could potentially shield a significant portion of the economy from recessionary effects.
Our advice for ourselves and for our clients is the same. Stay the course, avoid the headlines, and don’t look at your portfolio value every day. Don’t reduce your wealth by making decisions based on emotions.