The US Government Reopens – What It Means for Investors
The US government had been shut down since October 1 and finally re-opened on November 13. In my October 1 Weekly Update, [link to oct 1] I talked about what caused the shutdown and what the likely impacts might be from an investing perspective. Now that it’s over, it’s a good time to look at what ended the standoff — and what it means for us as investors.
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Weekly Update for the week ending November 7, 2025
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.” 😊
Monthly Portfolio Update October 2025
For the sixth month in a row, all four major North American indexes finished in the green: the Toronto Stock Exchange Composite Index (TSX), the S&P 500 Index (S&P), the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), and the Nasdaq Composite Index (Nasdaq). The Nasdaq continued to lead the pack, rising more than 4% for the second straight month and marking its seventh monthly gain in a row – its longest stretch since early 2018. The TSX, S&P, and DJIA each posted their sixth straight monthly gain, with the DJIA’s streak being its longest since January 2018, the TSX’s longest since mid-2021, and the S&P’s longest since late 2021.
Weekly Update for the week ending October 31, 2025
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.
Weekly Update for the week ending October 24, 2025
Rare Earths: Tiny Metals, Massive Impact, Major Contention
Last week [link to oct 17], we talked about trade tensions between China and the US – the world’s two largest economies. One key flashpoint in those talks is rare earth elements. Rare earths might sound like something from a sci-fi movie, but they’re actually critical to everything from your smartphone to fighter jets – and they’re at the centre of the China- US trade debate.
Weekly Update for the week ending November 22, 2024
What Falling Interest Rates Mean for Your Portfolio
Last week, we explored how rising interest rates can challenge investors. This week, let us flip the script and talk about something that could actually work in your favour—falling rates. When interest rates drop, it is not just borrowers who feel the relief. If you know where to look, your stock portfolio can benefit too.
Why Do Central Banks Lower Interest Rates?
Central banks, like the Bank of Canada (BoC) or the US Federal Reserve (Fed), lower interest rates to stimulate a sluggish economy. Cheaper borrowing encourages spending and investment, helping businesses expand, creating jobs, and keeping inflation in check. Think of it as their way of giving the economy a boost when growth hits a wall.