As I mentioned in my November 28, 2025 Weekly Update [link to Nov 28 update], I recently came across a stock I assumed was listed on Canada’s largest and most senior stock market, the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSE), only to discover it was actually trading on its junior counterpart, the TSX Venture Exchange. That small mix-up sent me down a rabbit hole into how Canada’s exchanges are structured and how they came to be.
Tag: BEP.UN
Weekly Update for the week ending November 28, 2025
The TSX: From Trading Club to Major Market
A few weeks ago, while writing the weekly portfolio update, I came across a stock I assumed was on the Toronto Stock Exchange, only to discover it was actually on the TSX Venture Exchange. Then I saw another company I thought was a Venture listing but was actually on the main TSX. That mix-up sent me down a rabbit hole about how the Exchange works and its history. I found the story surprisingly interesting, and this week I thought I’d share some of that history behind Canada’s largest stock market – the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX).
Weekly Update for the week ending October 10, 2025
Will October be Trick or Treat for Investors?
After an unusually strong September, we’re stepping into the witching month – a time with a well-earned reputation for market drama. October has long carried a spooky aura on Wall Street, and for good reason. It’s seen some of the biggest market crashes in history. The Great Crash of 1929 kicked off the Great Depression after years of speculation and margin buying came undone, sending the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) tumbling nearly 90% from its peak and taking 25 years to fully recover. In 1987, “Black Monday” struck when computer-driven trading and panic selling triggered a record one-day drop of 22.6%, though markets managed to rebound within two years. It remains one of the worst single-day declines in Canadian market history. And in 2008, the collapse of the American housing market and the global credit freeze sent the S&P 500 (S&P) plunging 57% and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) dropped about 16%, with a full recovery taking about four years.
Yet despite those infamous moments, October isn’t the market villain it’s often made out to be.
Weekly Update for the week ending October 18, 2024
Index Funds vs. Individual Stocks: Which Strategy is Best for New Investors
When you are new to investing, the sheer number of stocks listed on various exchanges can feel overwhelming. Starting with an index fund might offer a smoother entry into the world of investing. However, deciding between index funds and individual stocks can be daunting. Both have their pros and cons, and finding the right fit depends on your financial goals and risk tolerance. So, which strategy is best for you? Let us take a quick look at the strengths and weaknesses of each.
Weekly Update for the week ending May 31, 2024
This past week, as I reviewed my three portfolios, I was surprised by the number of trades I had made in the past few months – a total of 21 across all portfolios. Unfortunately, all but one were on my TD Direct Investing account, costing me almost $200. While not a significant amount in the grand scheme, it is still $200 less available for investment. ☹️
Weekly Update for the week ending May 3, 2024
This past week, the US Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) convened to set monetary policy, most notably the US benchmark interest rate. These decisions have a profound influence on investors in both Canada and the United States. Generally, lower interest rates can lead to higher stock prices and a calmer market environment, and happier investors 😊. Conversely, higher rates can introduce volatility and encourage a shift towards more conservative investments.
Beyond investor sentiment, the FOMC’s decisions on the US benchmark interest rate can significantly influence the actions of the Bank of Canada (BoC) with regards to Canada’s interest rate. The relationship between these rates is critical because a substantial difference can have several repercussions on the Canadian economy.
…..