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.
February was a choppy month for the markets – or, as I like to call it, the month disrupted… by AI 😊. After a solid start, swings in artificial intelligence (AI) sentiment and broader economic worries became the defining themes, showing up differently across the four major North American indexes.
AI Turns From Tailwind to Disruptive Headwind
This past week, markets came under pressure as investor sentiment around software companies shifted sharply. While higher interest rates and stretched valuations had already been weighing on the sector, what really rattled investors was a growing belief that parts of the software and professional services industry may be facing real disruption, not just a temporary slowdown.
From Wild West to Launchpad: The Story of the TSXV
A few weeks ago, I took a look at the history of Canada’s premier stock market – the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) [link to Nov. 28]. Also known as the big board, it’s the top rung on the TSX ladder. I also mentioned its junior counterpart, the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV). This week, I thought I’d follow up with a closer look at this often overlooked but essential part of Canada’s market ecosystem. So, without further ado, in the words of Daenerys Stormborn – “Let’s begin.”
The Budget Is Here – Now What for Long-Term Investors?
This week, the Canadian government released its latest federal budget – essentially Ottawa’s financial game plan for the year ahead. Budgets can feel like giant spreadsheets, but at their core they show what the government wants to prioritize and where the money is going. This one focuses on boosting affordability (especially housing), supporting economic growth, and continuing to invest in clean energy and infrastructure. In the words of Daenerys Targaryen, “Let’s begin.” 😊
A Little Less Tension on the Trade Front
Global trade tensions eased a bit this week after US President Trump and China’s President Xi Jinping met face-to-face in Busan ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. Trump did not attend the full leaders’ summit, but the bilateral meeting between the two leaders was the main focus for markets anyway. Going in, Trump described it as a “G2” meeting – a nod to the reality that these are the world’s two largest economies and when they talk, everyone else feels the impact.