When I got back into investing, one of the most common terms I heard was valuation. I knew what value was – one always wants to get good value for their money, or not overpay for an item. But the term “valuation” seemed a bit different, although I could never quite put my finger on why it felt separate from simply “getting good value for your money.” The difference, I eventually realized, is that in investing, price and value don’t always move together – and that gap between the two is where a lot of opportunity (and risk) tends to show up. This week, I’ll break down what valuation actually means and why it matters when you’re trying to get good value for your money in the stock market.
Author Archives: 1investor
Monthly Portfolio Update March 2026
If February was driven by fears around artificial intelligence (AI) spending and disruption, March marked a sharp shift to geopolitics – and the ripple effects that followed. The month started on a positive note but quickly turned lower after the US/Israel strikes on Iran, a development that changed the tone almost overnight.
Weekly Update for the week ending April 10, 2026
If you’ve felt the sting at the gas pump lately, you’re not alone. Since the US/Israel–Iran conflict began, oil prices have shot up and continue to climb. Brent crude oil is over 50% higher, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) nearly 70%. But the impact goes beyond filling up your vehicle, pushing up transportation costs and, in turn, the price of goods on store shelves – in other words, inflation. In this week’s update, let’s look at the differences between Brent and WTI oil (what are they anyway?), where does Canadian oil fit in, and why are these rising prices rippling through the economy.
Weekly Update for the week ending April 3, 2026
Relief Rally on the Horizon?
Exploring the sectors likely to gain – or stumble – if tensions ease.
Markets on both sides of the 49th parallel have been rattled by escalating Middle East tensions. With a potential ceasefire on the horizon, investors are watching closely to see which sectors could gain – or stumble – if hostilities ease.
Weekly Update for the week ending March 27, 2026
When Markets Stop Shrugging It Off
The US/Israel-Iran conflict, which began on February 28, is now about to enter its fifth week as you read this. Despite reports of back-channel peace talks, there are still no clear signs of an end in sight. In my March 6, 2026, Weekly Update, I focused on how a short conflict – what was initially expected – could affect markets. This week, the bigger question is what happens if it lasts longer.
Weekly Update for the week ending March 20, 2026
Stagflation: What It Is and Why Markets Are Paying Attention Right Now
The last few weeks, I’ve been seeing the term “stagflation” pop up more and more to describe the situation Canada – and to a lesser extent the US – may find themselves in over the coming months. At a basic level, inflation is when the overall cost of living rises over time, meaning your money doesn’t go as far as it used to. Most central banks, including the Bank of Canada (BoC) and the Federal Reserve (Fed), aim for around 2% inflation per year, which is considered healthy for a growing economy. A recession, on the other hand, is when economic activity slows down – businesses earn less, hiring weakens, and unemployment begins to rise. But what exactly is stagflation? This week, I thought I’d take a closer look.