RBC Global Insight: December 2025
RBC Wealth Management has launched the Global Insight 2026 Outlook. Looking ahead to the next year is a necessary exercise for investors, but it’s even more useful to focus on investment themes that can endure for years or even decades. This special 2026 Outlook brings unique perspectives on the near- and long-term market opportunities.
In the next quarter century, some themes that have emerged relatively recently should persist, and new themes have the potential to shape global economic developments and drive certain sectors.
After three consecutive years of strong gains for most equity markets, nothing historically rules out a fourth. The combination of lower inflation, lower interest rates, and faster GDP growth required for continued gains won’t be easy to achieve. We think “positive” rather than “above average” is the outcome to plan for.
We recommend focusing on stocks with quality characteristics and would add more duration to government bond exposure.
Stock and bond market returns face high hurdles in 2026, but we think the former should be given the benefit of the doubt.
How to take your retirement for a test drive
Transitioning to retirement can mean significant changes in daily routines, social interactions and personal identity. Without comprehensive preparation and a clear vision of how to spend this new phase, retirees may grapple with an unexpected abundance of free time, a need for meaningful engagement and the challenge of redefining their sense of purpose.
To navigate this uncharted territory, it takes more than just financial planning; it takes a holistic approach. How can you test drive retirement? This article explores five considerations suggested by MIT AgeLab, a key healthy-aging partner of RBC Wealth Management.
Canada’s housing Market Update
Stand-off between buyers and sellers leaves Canada’s housing market stuck
Canadian home buyers are playing the waiting game in a showdown with sellers, whose ranks have swelled in the past couple of years in parts of the country. The fall market has largely been a non-event as a result.
Whether buyers’ measured approach is tactical or out of caution amid economic uncertainty, the implication is the same: Strong-arming sellers into reducing prices in many markets.
Alberta: Power to Compute (Audio)
Alberta is turning legacy power plants into launchpads for the AI economy — and testing a new model for how Canada powers intelligence at scale. At sites like Keephills and Sundance west of Edmonton, TransAlta is combining existing transmission, water and industrial land with new opportunities for data centres, under a provincial “bring your own power” framework.
In this episode of Disruptors: The Canada Project, John Stackhouse speaks with Premier Danielle Smith and John Kousinioris, President & CEO of TransAlta, about how Alberta is exploring that BYOP model for hyperscalers — and how a new Canada–Alberta energy MoU could pave the way for thousands of megawatts of AI computing power.
Special Report: International Markets
International markets stage a comeback as investors look to diversify beyond the U.S.
European and other international stocks have enjoyed a strong rebound in 2025, offering investors attractive valuations and renewed growth prospects. Increasingly, investors are rediscovering those opportunities at a time when they are concerned with both concentration and valuation risks after a decade and a half of strong performance in U.S. markets.
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Helping your family build, manage and protect your wealth
If you’re a successful entrepreneur, part of a large family, or a high net-worth retiree/pre-retiree, you may have to manage financial issues that others don’t; This could include inheritances, assets in trust, complex tax planning, or a family vacation property. Perhaps you’d like to put your finances into greater context with your family’s savings, estate and business planning goals. Whatever your personal situation, we are here to help, with a comprehensive review that can ensure your wealth remains “all in the family.”
Our review process typically looks at both your investment portfolio and your overall wealth planning. This way, we can assess your financial situation in the context of your personal tax situation, savings goals, the time you have to invest and other factors such as your insurance coverage or charitable intentions.
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