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

The price of Fed rate cut success is steep, but not too steep

The price of Fed rate cut success is steep, but not too steep

October 02, 2024 |Thomas Garretson, CFA

The Fed has finally aggressively lowered interest rates. While a steeper yield curve reflects the market’s optimism that rate cuts will shore up the economic outlook, further steepness could be a sign the Fed will cut rates deeply, likely due to a re

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Draghi: Europe, time to press ahead

Draghi: Europe, time to press ahead

September 26, 2024 |Frédérique Carrier

Mario Draghi recently submitted a comprehensive report addressing the EU’s loss of competitiveness. We examine the feasibility of his ambitious plan and the potential implications for portfolio positioning.

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The Fed’s big bang rate cut

The Fed’s big bang rate cut

September 20, 2024 |Thomas Garretson, CFA

After biding its time, the Fed kicked off its monetary easing cycle with a strong start out of the rate cut gates. While investors may harbor concerns the Fed is getting ahead of itself, we highlight why we’re encouraged by the Fed’s proactive move.

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Economic impacts of non-economic policies

Economic impacts of non-economic policies

September 17, 2024 |Atul Bhatia, CFA

The economic environment could be in for an about-face. We look at what investors should be focusing on, beyond the same old same old, in this election year.

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Harris and Trump on the issues

Harris and Trump on the issues

September 12, 2024 |Kelly Bogdanova

A gulf exists between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump on policy issues. Following is an executive summary of the third article in our U.S. election series in which we address key policy differences that matter most to the economy and stock market.

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Credit where credit is due?

Credit where credit is due?

September 05, 2024 |Atul Bhatia, CFA

Despite signs of a slowing economy, corporate bond issuance kicked off the month at a record pace. We look at how the market has absorbed the new debt and what factors are likely to drive bond performance ahead.

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Fed rate cuts on the horizon

Fed rate cuts on the horizon

August 30, 2024 |Joseph Wu, CFA

As U.S. rate cuts near, history shows stocks and bonds often perform well after the Fed starts easing cycles, with equities showing greater variability. Given mixed economic signals, the focus should be on quality in portfolio positioning.

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No free rein: The realities of U.S. presidential power

August 27, 2024 |Kelly Bogdanova

While the U.S. president certainly has great influence, the formal and informal checks and balances built into the government’s structure still matter, and investors shouldn’t let election noise get in the way of sound portfolio management.

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Generative artificial intelligence: enablers and adopters

Generative artificial intelligence: enablers and adopters

August 23, 2024 |Frédérique Carrier

GenAI will likely have far-ranging repercussions on the economy, sectors, and business functions. We look at the potential impact and explore investment strategies we expect to benefit from the new era.

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North American labour markets: Past the point of no return?

North American labour markets: Past the point of no return?

August 16, 2024 |Josh Nye

Recession risks have risen slightly as labour markets in the U.S. and Canada have cooled. We’re not past the point of no return, but investors should evaluate defensive options in their portfolios.

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