It is the final week before Christmas, and the markets kept us on our toes with a flurry of economic data. But rather than dive straight into the numbers, I thought a little Christmas spirit would set the tone for this Weekly Update. So, without further ado, here is an investing spin on the classic ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’!
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Weekly Update for the week ending December 13, 2024
How Economic Indicators Influence the Stock Market
Ever wonder how the broader economy ties into your investments? Economic indicators like Gross Domestic Product (GDP), unemployment rates, and inflation serve as the heartbeat of the economy, giving us a window into its health and influencing stock market movements. Understanding these metrics can feel like unlocking a cheat code – helping you spot trends, anticipate changes, and make decisions with confidence. Let us explore these key indicators and their influence on your investments.
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 November 15, 2024
This week, we resume our ‘Tips for Those New to Investing’ series and take a look at how rising interest rates can shake up your stock portfolio. What Rising Interest Rates Mean for Your Portfolio Interest rates might seem like background noise, but they can have a big impact on your investments. When central banks, […]