Some semblance of calm returned over the past week. This was a welcome reprieve from the commotion that surfaced over a week ago. While the health of U.S. government officials was still in focus, investors were quick to turn their attention to the on again, off again, negotiations on a U.S. aid package, the U.S. elections and the Vice Presidential debate, the ongoing global spread of Covid-19, and monetary policy officials who continued their call for more action on the fiscal front to cushion the global economy from the many restrictions that remain in place.

 

Coronavirus update

The story of the past few weeks remains very much intact. Europe continues to grapple with increasing numbers of new infections across most of the region. While France, Spain, and the United Kingdom get much of the attention, many countries through the Eastern part of the region are also struggling to contain the spread. For example, the Czech Republic has one of the highest per capita increases in new infections. Meanwhile, in the United States, a steady rise higher in new infections appeared to pick up steam this week across a range of states.

In Canada, the same story is unfolding. The 7 day moving average of new cases is now over 2000, nearly 500 higher than the previous week. Quebec, Ontario and Alberta saw the largest rates of acceleration over the past week, and new restrictions and shutdowns in some of these provinces have already been announced with some more to potentially come. Provinces such as British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba showed some relative stability over the past week, while the East coast and northern territories have thus far avoided this second wave.

 

Inevitably, we expect these virus trends to limit the economic momentum over the near-term.

 

Less uncertainty on the horizon?

Stock markets don’t like uncertainty. It leads to risk aversion, with investors questioning the trajectory of economic and earnings growth. In extreme cases, it can also lead to questions about the ability of some businesses to survive.

 

2020 has been filled with a lot of uncertainty. Many would argue the level has been extreme. The pandemic is largely to blame as it has not only created a health and safety crisis, but led to economic lockdowns, massive fiscal and monetary responses, the reopening of economies, followed by new restrictions that have more recently emerged. Moreover, the upcoming U.S. elections have added fuel to the fire, with investors trying to assess various scenarios, including the risk of a contested election.

 

It is easy to get influenced by recent events. We remain mindful of the past and what has recently happened, choosing to always learn from the experience. But, we constantly plan for the future. And as we look forward, we see real potential for the high level of uncertainty to subside, at least to some degree. The U.S. election results may or may not become clear over the next month as the risk of a contested outcome is real. Nevertheless, by the New Year, which is just three months away, we see a high probability of a final outcome. The emergence of clarity will be a significant relief to the market as it will provide investors, and businesses, with more visibility into potential policy going forward. By early 2021, we believe the market will have moved on from the election and the uncertainty it poses. Within the next few months, if not sooner, we think any doubt around the extent of additional U.S. aid will also be put to rest. The government will no longer be distracted by the election, and is more likely to take action and respond to the needs of the unemployed, businesses, and state and local governments that are under strain from an economy that remains far from normal.

 

The virus may remain the biggest source of unpredictability. But here too, we see potential for lower surprises in the year ahead. People are more prepared than they once were, with mask wearing and physical distancing part of our daily habits for now. Governments have measures they can employ, however reluctantly. And health care professionals have more experience with testing and therapeutics that have offered evidence of improving the ability to identify those that are infected and more effectively treat those that have fallen ill. Furthermore, the scientific community remains hard at work, with over a hundred potential vaccine candidates that are now in some form of development or trial. It’s possible we may see one of these approved in the year ahead. All of this suggests that uncertainty with respect to this health crisis could decline from the excessive levels witnessed this year. Markets have a tendency of moving earlier and faster than investor emotions. And our approach remains long-term focused. As a result, we don’t believe in trying to time the potential improvement in uncertainty but we still look forward to the potential for an improved backdrop in the year ahead.

 

Lastly, we would like to provide thanks in light of Thanksgiving. 2020 has been highly unusual and I feel it is important to step back and remember that there is a lot to be thankful for. I am thankful to live in a country that offers health and safety and the opportunity to work with so many great clients. I am thankful for Shannon and Tom, my colleagues, my wife Andrea, my mother Dawn, and my grandparents. However, this year, I am particularly thankful and offer my outmost appreciation and gratitude to the front-line workers across Canada whom put themselves at risk every day to take care of us. Thank you for all that you have done and continue to do.

 

Please let us know what we can to do help as Shannon, Tom, and I all stand ready to listen and speak with you. We are also available to friends and family members who may reassurance at this time.

 

Happy Thanksgiving,

 

Devin