Yes, it might feel like a challenge to give thanks these days. We’re in the midst of a pandemic that brings fresh rounds of fear and uncertainty each week. Cases of COVID-19 are surging in many parts of Canada, the US and around the Globe. Yes we are in that second wave of the pandemic. For certain hotspots in Ontario we’ve had to place further restrictions or closures of restaurants, gyms, casinos, performing arts centres and more. Leaders face the near impossible task of balancing health concerns with the viability of businesses and how so many earn a living.
The second wave.
Here’s a topline report, thanks to the Globe and Mail.
We see the 7-day moving average moving to record highs. But deaths and sickness are at much lower levels compared to the first wave of the pandemic.
And of course authorities are watching the hospital case loads. A key is to not overwhelm our hospitals and healthcare workers.
What worries many is that growth rate for hospitalizations and the number admitted to intensive care units (ICU). We all have to do our part to limit the spread. And it is certainly always a local consideration. Many communities have very low case loads. You may know that the Canadian Atlantic region in known as the Atlantic bubble. For longer periods they have experienced just a trickle of new cases. But those in the Atlantic region still follow many of the health guidelines practiced across the country.
Support your local restaurants.
Even when open for business, social distancing measures make it more than difficult for restaurants to turn a profit. They are operating with limited seating. While we may not be comfortable taking a seat in a restaurant, we can still support those that offer takeout.
In late July in one of my first posts for MoneySense we looked at the plight of small business in Canada and specifically the fragile restaurant industry. From July, the situation has only become more challenging for restaurant owners. They will need your help as we head into Winter and they lose their patio business.
More Weekend Reads.
This week on MoneySense I looked at the spooky month of October for stock markets. In that post Trump tweets, we also look at Canadian snowbirds who might be stuck in the snow this Winter, and more.
Also on MoneySense, here’s a very good post from Bryan Borzykowski on how investors can prepare for the lingering fallout from the pandemic.
In this Boomer and Echo post, you’ll find an incredible interactive chart that shows the performance of stock markets for each US President.
Here’s a wonderful post from Banker on Wheels, covering Global ETFs that cover the globe in single ETF offerings.
Jonathan Chevreau is writing a series for BBC StoryWorks. The new work-at-home economy has created a major structural shift in commercial and personal real estate.
On Million Dollar Journey you’ll see an overview of the Canadian dividend tax credit and the rates paid in each Province at various levels of dividend income.
For those who create their own stock portfolio Dan Kent at Stocktrades offers 10 stocks to look at today.
If you think the worst is over for Canadian banks and want exposure that will apply 25% leverage and boost the dividend to 6% you can look into the Hamilton Canadian Bank 1.25x Leverage ETF (HCAL). Here’s the link to the Hamilton site.
On My Own Advisor, Kanwal Sarai offers 12 simple steps to building an income portfolio.
For Seeking Alpha I looked at our US stock portfolio. It was designed in the hope of better performance during a major stock market correction. In 2020 those US dividend achievers have bested the S&P 500 by 5%. That was a pleasant surprise. I will soon offer an update on my 3 US stock picks as well. Those picks leave the achievers and the market in the dust.
And on this site I looked at the ETF portfolio for retirees.
This post on lowestrates.ca explains why I live in one of the most expensive areas for car insurance. We are still paying a small fortune for cars that these days, largely sit in the driveway.
The economy.
Here’s another must read from John Mauldin – Timeline to the new normal.
From Gregory Curtis – It’s different this time.
Thanks for reading. And I know that I have much to be thankful for. All told, we had a wonderful Summer. We are more than fortunate. We are currently hiding out at the Wasaga Beach cottage enjoying the Fall colours and views of Blue Mountain.
I hope all readers and families are well. Happy Thanksgiving.
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Dale
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