Skip to main content

Tag: vrt

Weekly Update for the week ending October 18, 2024

Posted on by

Index Funds vs. Individual Stocks: Which Strategy is Best for New Investors

When you are new to investing, the sheer number of stocks listed on various exchanges can feel overwhelming. Starting with an index fund might offer a smoother entry into the world of investing. However, deciding between index funds and individual stocks can be daunting. Both have their pros and cons, and finding the right fit depends on your financial goals and risk tolerance. So, which strategy is best for you? Let us take a quick look at the strengths and weaknesses of each.

Weekly Update for the week ending September 27, 2024

Posted on by

As I mentioned earlier this month [link to Sept 6], September usually gets a bad rap as one of the toughest months for stocks. But this year? It has been a pleasant surprise! Thanks to anticipation around the US Federal Reserve’s (Fed) first rate cut since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020, the market’s mood shifted. Add in the Bank of Canada’s (BoC) third rate cut in three months, and it has been a win for Canadian investors too. It seems like both central banks feel they are finally winning the inflation battle—if it is not already won.

Weekly Update for the week ending September 20, 2024

Posted on by

Connecting the Dots II: US Economic Data and Fed Policy
Last week, I talked about how Canadian economic reports connect [link to sept. 13] and impact Bank of Canada (BoC) decisions, which in turn affect investors. This week, I will dive into the American economic reports, exploring how the US Federal Reserve (Fed) uses data to shape interest rates, and what that means for us Canadian investors.

Weekly Update for the week ending September 6, 2024

Posted on by

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.

Weekly Update for the week ending August 30, 2024

Posted on by

Since 2019, Nvidia’s (NASD: NVDA) share price has soared 3,476%, thanks to its pivotal role in supplying the heart of artificial intelligence (AI). Few companies wield as much market influence as Nvidia, and anticipation was sky-high leading up to its earnings release. Investors were on edge, eager to see whether Nvidia would meet or surpass expectations.

Weekly Update for the week ending August 23, 2024

Posted on by

Inflation and pricing

It was a relatively quiet week for the markets in terms of economic news. In the USA, investors focused on the mid-week release of the minutes from the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) last Federal Open Market Committee meeting and Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s speech at the Jackson Hole Economic Symposium, at the end of the week. These two events are crucial in indicating whether the Fed plans to lower the US benchmark rate at their September meeting.

In Canada, the biggest economic headline was the July Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation report, which reveals whether inflation is rising or falling. Spoiler alert: it is still falling. 😊 But here is an important point—just because inflation is down does not mean prices are lower. It only means that the pace of price increases has slowed.