Thoughts on the Market

Relativity and Investing

Relativity and Investing

December 3, 2024 - Maddy Bodden

Leonard Susskind, the noted theoretical physicist, famously quoted that Einstein proved that different observers, in different states of motion, see different realities. The markets are constantly in motion. Whether it is earnings, news, rumors, or just normal daily activity, every stock is reacting both to its own forces and in relation to the overall direction of the market. How any of those data points are perceived by the market is dependent on the intentions of the observer.

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The Alignment of the Stars

October 21, 2024 - Maddy Bodden

In the children’s fantasy novel, Peter Pan, these are the directions to Neverland, home of Peter Pan and the Lost Boys. With investing, it is often difficult to know which star to follow as the investment horizon is ever changing, and never totally clear. In recent months, market focus has shifted among inflation, interest rates, corporate earnings, and even politics. All these items can have a profound effect on markets that must be carefully navigated. This month, we will review these points to determine the best investment path forward.

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The Little Things

The Little Things

August 23, 2024 - Maddy Bodden

Details. Details. In the investment world, as long as the market is moving higher, data points that are deemed irrelevant are ignored until they become relevant. On August 5, we saw a large sell off in US equities after a 12% decline in Japan’s Nikkei stock index, all triggered by a rise in the yen after the Bank of Japan increased their interest rate from 0.1% to 0.25%. How does such a little thing as a 0.15% Japanese rate increase send the US market into a tailspin?

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RBC Insights

Processing the U.S. legislative process

Processing the U.S. legislative process

January 30, 2025 |Atul Bhatia, CFA

Every administration enters office with aggressive policy goals. But a lot of give-and-take may be needed to turn goals into policy.

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Video: Bank of Canada cuts interest rate to 3% amid U.S. trade uncertainty

Video: Bank of Canada cuts interest rate to 3% amid U.S. trade uncertainty

January 30, 2025 |Josh Nye, Canadian Fixed Income Strategist

The Bank of Canada lowered its benchmark interest rate in January to 3% from 3.25% amid ongoing uncertainty over the threat of U.S. tariffs.

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Is 2025 the beginning of a small-cap renaissance?

Is 2025 the beginning of a small-cap renaissance?

January 24, 2025 |Kyle Bergacker, CFA

After years of small-cap underperformance relative to large-cap counterparts, the tide looks to be turning. We look at why investors shouldn’t overlook this aspect of the 2025 equity outlook as small caps seem poised to return to form.

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A playbook for how to measure a tariff shock in Canada

A playbook for how to measure a tariff shock in Canada

January 23, 2025 |Frances Donald and Nathan Janzen
U.S. President Donald Trump has taken office, and understandably, there is growing concern about what threatened American tariffs could mean for the Canadian economy. Economists have a head start this time around—it isn’t our first pass at assessing the...
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Pay attention to triggers for Europe

Pay attention to triggers for Europe

January 16, 2025 |Frédérique Carrier

Due to structural headwinds, we downgraded European equities to Underweight in December. Yet a number of catalysts could occur in Q1 that could be well received by equity markets. We peruse the opportunities that may emerge in European equities.

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U.S. equity returns in 2024: Premium performance

U.S. equity returns in 2024: Premium performance

January 10, 2025 |Kelly Bogdanova

We pinpoint five reasons why U.S. equities capped off a banner year in 2024 and why investors were willing to pay for premium valuations. We also offer thoughts on the environment in 2025 and how to approach portfolio positioning.

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Homebuyers get some affordability relief but strains endure

Homebuyers get some affordability relief but strains endure

January 09, 2025 |Robert Hogue
Homeownership costs have eased for three consecutive quarters in Canada. The share of income a household needs to cover mortgage payments, property taxes and utilities has fallen nationwide to 58.4% by Q3 after reaching an all-time high of 63.8% in Q4...
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Trend & Cycle 2025 Technical Outlook

Trend & Cycle 2025 Technical Outlook

January 08, 2025 |Robert Sluymer, CFA

Studying trends and cycles can provide a more informed view of market dynamics. We look at potential pause points, market breadth, and key interest rate levels to gauge prospects for equity upside in 2025 and how to approach sector positioning.

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Five strategies to maximize your RRSP savings

Five strategies to maximize your RRSP savings

January 01, 2025 |RBC Wealth Management

From contributing at the beginning of the year to setting a savings target, these tips can help you make the most of your RRSPs.

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How income splitting can create tax savings

How income splitting can create tax savings

January 01, 2025 |RBC Wealth Management

Find out what income splitting is, and how a prescribed rate loan strategy may be beneficial for you as part of tax planning.

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