Market and Investment Insights
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Portfolio Commentary – February 2026
February reflected a more cautious market environment driven by concerns around AI…
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Market Uncertainty Remains – October 2022 Review
After a period of poor performance following the rally in risk assets which started in July and ended mid‐August, global financial markets once again rebounded in October. With US equities leading global stocks…
The Difficult Task of Achieving Price Stability – September 2022 Review
Equity markets reversed course in September, following the longstanding pattern of weak returns at the start of the ‘fall’ season. Comments from central bankers left little doubt about…
How High Will Rates Go? August 2022 Review
Equity markets slumped in the second half of the month after central bankers from around the world reaffirmed their commitment to tackling inflation through higher interest rates
Bad News is Good News – July 2022 Review
North American equity markets moved higher during the month, contrary to disappointing economic data. Despite the US having negative GDP growth in the second quarter
Consumption Slows with Sustained Inflation – June 2022 Review
Consumption Slows with Sustained Inflation June 2022 Commentary & Performance Review Stubbornly high inflation led the U.S. Federal Reserve to quicken the pace of their rate increases to 0.75%. The last time the ‘Fed’ raised rates this much in a single meeting was...
Inflation Relief Rally – May 2022 Review
Inflation Relief Rally May 2022 Commentary & Performance Review The stronger performance in financial markets last month may reflect easing investor concerns about inflation and a willingness to re‐enter the market at more attractive valuations given the sell‐off...
Challenging Credit Environment – August 2023 Review
In our August 2023 commentary, we discuss: Lasting impacts from central bank policies; Bankruptcy from the UK’s second-largest city; Opportunities in private credit; and as we do each month, we highlight the top and bottom performing assets in our portfolios.
AI Leading the Way – May 2023 Review
Traders are beginning to express skepticism about the sustainability of the stock rally year-to-date and are issuing warnings about a potential market downturn later in the year. Despite optimism surrounding a US debt-ceiling…
Rate Hikes Hitting Earnings – April 2023 Review
The Q1 2023 US earnings season has begun and will show the impact of the Fed’s monetary policy on corporate profitability. Year‐over‐year earnings growth is expected at…
Prepare for Higher Oil Prices – March 2023 Review
OPEC+’s surprise production cut is expected to eliminate the current supply surplus and push world oil markets into a deeper deficit later this year. Before the intervention…
Strong Spending on Luxury – February 2023 Review
French stocks, particularly luxury goods producers LVMH, Kering, and Hermes International, have emerged as the breakout stars of 2023. Investors are betting that the sales and earnings of these luxury companies will remain robust now that…
Scorching Start for Equities – January 2023 Review
The new year has brought a surge in equity markets as slowing inflation has led to the anticipation that central banks are near peak rates. Canadian CPI rose 6.3% year over …
November is Financial Literacy Month
From the desk of Erin Gendron... In October, Financial Planners Standard Council (FPSC), Canada’s governing body for financial planning conducted a survey* of over 1500 Canadians. They found that 41% of Canadians lack confidence in their financial affairs. 33% of...
Protect Your Family’s Future AND Get Rewarded for Being Healthy!
From the desk of Erin Gendron... This is a message for our younger clients or those who are "young at heart". Insurance: Something no one enjoys talking about, but a 'must have' conversation. We feel a sense of responsibility to have this conversation with you - or...
Don’t Look Now
Don't Look Now...but U.S. stocks are in a decided uptrend as a period of market anxieties appear to have faded—at least for the moment. There are a number of factors that investors say are underpinning the recent resurgence in risk-taking that’s lifted the market....
Can I retire?
From the desk of Erin Gendron... At the beginning of the year, over 1500 randomly selected Canadians were polled on their retirement goals and expectations. How do your retirement goals and savings stack up against these findings? Not quite sure if you’re on track?...
Some Thoughts on the Medicinal Marijuana Sector
"A growth opportunity, yes, but at what cost?" These days it seems that many clients are interested to invest in the stories of cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc), artificial intelligence, automation/robotics and cannabis. They are exciting and I can certainly...
Tax Slips and Supporting Documents You May Receive
How you receive tax slips will be a little different this year. Due to the ownership change of HollisWealth midway through 2017, you will be receiving tax slips from both Scotia Capital Inc. (from Jan – Aug) and Industrial Alliance Securities Inc. (from Aug – Dec)....
Portfolio Commentary – January 2024
Our January 2024 Portfolio Commentary provides an overview of recent market performance, key financial stories, and insights into the performance of our model portfolios.
Canada Pension Plan – Video Series – The Basics
This introductory video gives facts, figures and information about Canada Pension Plan that are important for every Canadian to understand, since you, and all of us, are either contributing to or benefitting from Canada Pension Plan.
Navigating the Winds of Change – December 2023 Review
In our December 2023 commentary, we discuss: Impressive returns in fixed income; Optimistic markets despite challenges ahead; Canadian Tech Sector shines; and as we do each month, we highlight the top and bottom performing assets in our portfolios.
Markets Surge with Falling Inflation – November 2023 Review
In our November 2023 commentary, we discuss: The recent market rally in equities; Inflation showing signs of slowing; The Canadian government’s response to housing challenges; and as we do each month, we highlight the top and bottom performing assets in our portfolios.
The Slow Down – October 2023 Review
In our October 2023 commentary, we discuss: The effect of high borrowing costs; A downturn in commercial real estate; A lawsuit against the Russian central bank; and as we do each month, we highlight the top and bottom performing assets in our portfolios.
Q3-2023 Review & Update
Brent Vandermeer, Senior Portfolio Manager provides a video overview of Q3-2023 and the ever-changing markets.