Thoughts on the Market

Facts vs. Predictions

Facts vs. Predictions

February 5, 2025 - Maddy Bodden

After a strong year in 2024, our thoughts now turn to the year ahead. The number one fact that very few predicted would actually come to pass was the US placing a 25% tariff on Canadian goods and 10% on oil and gas. The threat of tariffs had been widely seen as a negotiating tactic as the potential damage to both countries could be massive and is in violation of established trade agreements. With some last-minute negotiations, the tariffs have been avoided and Canada will be bolstering its border security and drug enforcement...

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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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RBC Insights

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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Five ways to pay less tax in retirement

Five ways to pay less tax in retirement

January 01, 2025 |RBC Wealth Management

These strategies can help you maintain the lifestyle you had while working.

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TFSA versus RRSP versus FHSA: Your top questions answered

TFSA versus RRSP versus FHSA: Your top questions answered

January 01, 2025 |RBC Wealth Management

Learn the main​​ features of each registered investment plan to figure out which one is right for you.

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