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Weekly Update for the week ending July 25, 2025

Dominoes start to fall
Since President Trump’s April 2 “Liberation Day” announcement – imposing sweeping tariffs on nearly all imports, starting with a universal 10% base and rising to “reciprocal” rates as high as 54% – the US has been scrambling to strike new trade deals. With a 90-day pause in effect for negotiations and court challenges mounting, several countries have already hammered out agreements aimed at easing tariff threats and stabilizing trade ties.

Each deal is tailored to the partner: some offer tariff relief, others open access to key sectors, but all share one goal – softening the blow of a trade war no one wants. Let’s take a look at the deals that have been signed and why getting deals signed is important to us investors.

ChatGPT: The Rise of AI

We are not in the era of Skynet – the rogue AI from The Terminator movies – just yet, but Artificial intelligence (AI) has moved from science fiction to everyday life, and tools like ChatGPT have become the poster child of this transformation. Launched just two years ago, ChatGPT isn’t just a tech innovation – it’s a prime example of how AI is reshaping the way we communicate, work, and even invest. For investors keen on spotting trends, understanding ChatGPT’s rise and its impact on industries offers valuable insights into how AI is driving change and creating new opportunities. But first, let’s start with the basics: what exactly is a chatbot?

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 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.