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Weekly Update for the week ending December 6, 2024

December is here, bringing hope that this historically strong month for stocks will close out the year on a high note. 2024 has already seen indexes setting and breaking record highs, leaving investors eager for a festive flourish to finish the year. Historically, December has earned its reputation as a strong performer, thanks in part to the “Santa Claus rally.” This phenomenon often lifts markets during the last week of December and the first few trading days of January. While the rally is not guaranteed, several factors help explain why December tends to shine.

Weekly Update for the week ending November 29, 2024

How Global Events Affect Your Portfolio: A Beginner’s Guide

If you are new to investing, you might assume your portfolio – especially if it is packed with Canadian or American stocks—is safely tucked away from global drama. But the truth is, events like geopolitical tensions or economic slowdowns often send ripples through the markets, and your investments can feel the effects. Let us take a look into how these international factors influence your portfolio and how you can navigate them.

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.

Weekly Update for the week ending September 6, 2024

September has a long-standing reputation for being one of the worst and most turbulent months for the markets, often marked by increased volatility. This phenomenon is often referred to as the “September Effect.” This year appears to be no exception as investors try to gauge the Federal Reserve’s next moves based on the latest economic data. Historically, it has been the worst-performing month for the indexes. In fact, from 1950 to 2023, the S&P 500 (S&P) averaged a decline of about 0.5% in September, making it one of the few months where the index consistently posts negative returns.