Let’s just call 2023 the year most everyone got most everything wrong. Inflation is now under control and the higher rate environment did not cause a recession. We can thank banked pandemic savings, plus strong employment and wage gains for the resilient economy. Economists called for a recession in 2023. Market experts predicted negative to […]
A November to remember for stocks, on the Sunday Reads.
The history of stock market momentum signalled that November would be a strong month, and history more than rhymed. November delivered almost 9% for U.S. stocks and Canadian stocks had a strong month up over 6%. International stocks were up by near 6% as well. Bonds are back as well. With inflation cooperating and predictions […]
Canada is winning the inflation fight on the Sunday Reads.
Inflation continues to move in the right direction. While we have a ways to go to get to the Bank of Canada’s 2% target, it is good news. We can thank lower energy costs for much of the heavy lifting in the inflation report from this past week. It’s possible that lower energy prices might […]
Stocks had their best week of the year on the Sunday Reads.
Stock markets in the U.S. cheered a rate pause and a weaker than expected jobs report. U.S. stocks had their best week of the year and of course, Canadian and international stocks played along. Equities notched sizable weekly gains as investors grew hopeful that the Federal Reserve’s rate-hiking campaign is over. The Dow was up […]
The Bank of Canada says “I’ll hold” on the Sunday Reads.
The Bank of Canada stood pat for the second time in a row. There are enough signs of economic weakness. And that economic weakness is likely to continue and accelerate. While inflation has been sticky, it’s also very likely that weakness will contribute to further downward pressure on inflation. The real estate sector appears ready […]
Preparing for war and hoping for peace on the Sunday Reads.
There is no avoiding the crisis and tragedy of the Israel-Hamas war. While nothing can begin to match the humanitarian concerns, we will address the financial, economic and global risks. Preparing for war is preparing for risk and uncertainty whether that be a humanitarian crisis or a financial calamity. The risks and events can commingle […]