Insights

2022 was a tumultuous year for investors, to say the least. Markets around the world were affected by high inflation, rising interest rates, and concerns about slowing economic growth in 2023.

At the beginning of the year, we expected the start of a rate tightening cycle by global central banks. What we hadn’t expected was above-average interest rate increases, the invasion of Ukraine and its impact on energy and food prices, and supply chain disruptions caused by the zero-COVID policy in China...

Humans have 3 ways of dealing with conflict: fight, flight, or freeze. In this bear market, many investors might be in freeze mode, keeping cash on the sidelines as global markets continue their rough ride.

An uphill start to 2022: War in Ukraine and Fed rate tightening. The first few months of 2022 have been rough for investors.

Global stocks fell last Thursday morning (February 24, 2022) while bonds and oil rose as Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a military attack on Ukraine, raising tensions in an area that was already on edge. Read more...

The investment landscape during the past couple of years has looked a bit like that of a road trip, complete with detours and bumps along the way.

One of the best examples of eternal optimism is author J.K. Rowling’s success story. Her original Harry Potter novel was rejected 12 times before it was published. Despite these setbacks, Rowling never stopped believing in her idea. She was ultimately rewarded for her perseverance, and more often than not, investors are rewarded for their optimism...

The global economy led by the U.S. continues its gradual recovery—supported by economic reopening and COVID-19 vaccine distribution. Stronger consumption is expected through 2021 fueled by consumers with excess savings and pent-up demand for goods and services...

March 23 marked the one-year anniversary of the market low brought on by the pandemic. Since then, the S&P 500 has seen its largest 12-month gain since 1936, exceeding the recovery in 2010 from the global financial crisis. Equity markets performed well through the first quarter, extending the gains made since March last year.

While that ideal bottom of the market investment opportunity has passed, we’re still optimistic about the year ahead. There’s reason to believe that the economic environment in Canada, the U.S. and internationally will be much improved from 2020.

Here’s a look at some of the issues that made their mark this quarter.

Frances Donald, Managing Director, Global Chief Economist, and Global Head of Macroeconomic Strategy explains why she believes the pandemic will play out in three stages and will accelerate macrotrends already at work.