North American stocks plunged at the start of the month after Donald Trump unveiled a far-reaching array of global trade tariffs on April 2 that exceeded any expectations. The yield on the benchmark US 10-year Treasury bond climbed half a percentage point in a week (yields move up as bond prices fall), the largest such […]
In the first quarter of 2025, Donald Trump entered office, Justin Trudeau departed, and Mark Carney became Canada’s 24th Prime Minister and called an election for April 28th. Running in parallel to these political changes were numerous and often unexpected US trade tariff announcements that ultimately unsettled markets. The cumulative effect of Trump’s burst of […]
North American equities rose in January despite an up and down month. AI-themed US tech shares were buffeted by an unexpected burst of volatility while Canadian stocks navigated a relatively smoother path upwards. Political change was in focus with Justin Trudeau announcing his resignation and Donald Trump entering office with an immediate and wide range […]
A year ago, outlooks for US and Canadian equities were cautiously optimistic after a strong 2023, particularly in the US. Caution was indeed needed on several occasions in 2024, but the broad sweep proved to be steadily upwards as major stock indices frequently set new highs on the way to a very good year. Equities […]
After a dramatic campaign, US voters elected Donald Trump on November 5th with a GOP majority in Congress. Investors signaled their enthusiasm for the results with inflows of $141 billion into US equities during November, the highest four-week total on record. Major North American stock indices surged ahead to close November at new highs, with […]
After advancing strongly during the first two weeks of October stocks sold off on the final day of the month on mixed earnings (and spending) reports from big tech, leaving Canadian and U.S. equity indices essentially flat for the period. Bond yields rose in October, reversing the downward trend of the previous five months. Investors […]
Stocks and bonds closed higher in an eventful third quarter as falling inflation and interest rate cuts outweighed sudden bursts of volatility in early August and September. Investors scrutinized data for any hints of possible recessions in Canada and the U.S. as unemployment crept up but welcomed an accelerating shift by central banks to lower […]
Volatility rose, equities fell sharply, and bonds jumped in the first three trading days of August but markets soon stabilized and stocks regained a positive tone throughout the rest of the month. Here’s a summary of the main events that steered the markets. Monthly market developments Catalysts for the stock market sell off included fears […]
Monthly market developments It was a case of “all’s well that ends well” for investors in July, as despite a mid-month sell-off, stocks rebounded to end the month in the green. Here’s a summary of the main events that steered the markets. Stocks rallied and bond yields fell on the final day of July after […]
Monthly market developments Equity markets dipped in early April but bounced back in May. Investors were hopeful for interest rate cuts to boost markets, supported by lower inflation and a positive economic outlook. In June, the Bank of Canada and the European Central Bank cut interest rates, starting a policy-easing cycle. However, the US held […]
