If February was driven by fears around artificial intelligence (AI) spending and disruption, March marked a sharp shift to geopolitics – and the ripple effects that followed. The month started on a positive note but quickly turned lower after the US/Israel strikes on Iran, a development that changed the tone almost overnight.
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Weekly Update for the week ending March 27, 2026
When Markets Stop Shrugging It Off
The US/Israel-Iran conflict, which began on February 28, is now about to enter its fifth week as you read this. Despite reports of back-channel peace talks, there are still no clear signs of an end in sight. In my March 6, 2026, Weekly Update, I focused on how a short conflict – what was initially expected – could affect markets. This week, the bigger question is what happens if it lasts longer.
Weekly Update for the week ending March 20, 2026
Stagflation: What It Is and Why Markets Are Paying Attention Right Now
The last few weeks, I’ve been seeing the term “stagflation” pop up more and more to describe the situation Canada – and to a lesser extent the US – may find themselves in over the coming months. At a basic level, inflation is when the overall cost of living rises over time, meaning your money doesn’t go as far as it used to. Most central banks, including the Bank of Canada (BoC) and the Federal Reserve (Fed), aim for around 2% inflation per year, which is considered healthy for a growing economy. A recession, on the other hand, is when economic activity slows down – businesses earn less, hiring weakens, and unemployment begins to rise. But what exactly is stagflation? This week, I thought I’d take a closer look.
Weekly Update for the week ending March 6, 2026
Oil Surges, Volatility Returns
In February, artificial intelligence (AI) optimism and anxiety were the main winds that buffeted the markets (and buffet they did 😊). But as the month closed, a very different storm rolled in. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply, shifting investor focus from AI concerns and earnings reports to energy supply and global stability.
Monthly Portfolio Update February 2026
February was a choppy month for the markets – or, as I like to call it, the month disrupted… by AI 😊. After a solid start, swings in artificial intelligence (AI) sentiment and broader economic worries became the defining themes, showing up differently across the four major North American indexes.
Weekly Update for the week ending February 27, 2026
Trade Uncertainty Returns
Last week, the United States Supreme Court ruled that many of President Trump’s global tariffs were illegal. Within days, the White House announced a new 10% tariff on imports from all countries, with plans to raise it to 15%.
Let’s take a look at how we got here – and the uncertainty it has created.