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Weekly Update for the week ending April 19, 2024

April has not been the easiest month for us investors. We have seen losses across the board, with each week bringing its own set of challenges. The first week the markets dipped following strong US labour data, suggesting the economy might be too warm, which could deter the US Federal Reserve (Fed) from lowering interest rates. In the second week, higher-than-expected inflation data further soured the mood, heightening concerns about persistent high prices. This past week, comments from various Fed officials have added to market jitters. Fed Chair Jerome Powell emphasized that the current 5.5% interest rate could stay in place “as long as needed” to manage inflation, a stance echoed by other officials who see no rush to cut rates.

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Weekly Update for the week ending April 12, 2024

This past week was pivotal for investors. The latest US inflation numbers, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), could swing the door open for a possible US interest rate cut in June – if it indicated that inflation was on the decline. Conversely, flat, or rising inflation rates could extinguish any hopes for a rate reduction in June.

In this week’s edition of our series for new investors, I will cover a few of the risks beginners should be aware of when they start investing. Alongside the latest US inflation report and what it meant for investors, let’s see what else happened this past week….

Weekly Update for the week ending April 5, 2024

Navigating the world of investing often mirrors the emotional rollercoaster experienced by hockey fans as the season nears its end and the draft lottery looms. The dilemma? To wholeheartedly support your team’s victories or, paradoxically, hope for losses if it secures a superior draft spot. This dichotomy is strikingly similar in the realm of investments, where economic news can simultaneously herald positive developments and trigger investor apprehension. Take, for example, the recent labour report from the US: It showed job growth and wage increases surpassing expectations—a testament to a thriving economy and a win for the workforce. Yet, for those keen on seeing interest rates decline, this was a setback. Rising wages, after all, can exacerbate inflationary pressures. The statement by a Federal Reserve official that it is “much too soon to think about cutting interest rates” effectively quashed any hopes for an imminent rate cut, epitomizing the scenario where robust economic health can dampen prospects for those favoring lower interest rates. ☹

Weekly Update for the week ending March 15, 2024

Inflation jitters sent US markets south, while the TSX extended its weekly winning streak. Let us take a look at what happened and how it impacted the three portfolios. Plus, we will shift gears and explore the hot topic of hybrid electric vehicles – are they a sound alternative to full on electric vehicles or just a pit stop on the road to full electrification? This week I will take look at their gaining popularity and investment potential in this week’s market update!

So, without further ado, let’s see what happened this past week….

Weekly Update for the week ending March 8, 2024

If you belong to a gym, you’ve likely witnessed the annual surge of enthusiastic newcomers in January, only to see their numbers dwindle by month’s end. Fueled by New Year’s resolutions, these gym newbies arrive with ambitious weight loss and fitness goals. However, many find themselves derailed by a combination of factors, including unrealistic expectations of quick results, gym intimidation, scheduling conflicts, and waning motivation.

Weekly Update for the week ending March 1, 2024

The North American stock markets have had a good run through the first two months of 2024. March has a tough act to follow but the month has a reputation for being a strong month for the North American stock markets, with historical trends showing positive movement more often than not. But remember, past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

Investor enthusiasm over all things related to artificial intelligence should continue to drive the markets higher. With fourth quarter earnings almost over, investors will now cast their eyes towards the Federal Reserve. Each bit of economic news, as well as speeches from Fed officials, will be dissected in an attempt to determine when the rates could begin to fall. I am sure there will be lots of ups and downs with each bit of news, hopefully a lot more ups than downs. So, buckle up, the rollercoaster is about to leave the platform.