The BIG Picture

Over the past week, Canadian banks reported their second-quarter results. Much of the focus has understandably been on the outsized stock price reactions. Typically, any moves in the Canadian bank stocks related to earnings results are relatively tame...

Global equity markets finished the month of April a bit lower as they digested the gains made since last October. Markets largely spent the month grappling with sticky inflation and diminishing prospects for interest rate cuts in the U.S.

The past few weeks have seen more meaningful activity across global equity marked by an increase in volatility. Two developments were particularly noteworthy.

Global equity markets have been somewhat directionless over the past few weeks, likely taking a breather after a reasonably good first quarter.

Global equities have continued to perform well as of late. But more noteworthy has been the breadth of the rally, with a variety of sectors, and not just technology, enjoying significant gains.

Markets have trended higher in recent weeks, with performance in regions outside the U.S. being notably stronger.

Global equity markets have come out swinging start to the year. U.S. economic data has exceeded expectations, with the latest inflation reading suggesting a modest uptick in price pressures.