The Living Market Podcast

The summer slump explained

Summer is historically a sluggish time of year for the stock market, says Ashish Utarid, Assistant Vice-President, Investment Strategy at IG Wealth Management. While July usually delivers a decent return, August is typically flat, and September normally dips. Ashish explains what this seasonal slump means, why a summer wobble is expected (and not panic-worthy), and how it can prepare us for what’s ahead in the fall.

Interest rates are staying put: but for how long?

This week, Ashish Utarid, Assistant Vice-President, Investment Strategy at IG Wealth Management discusses the reasons why the Bank of Canada and U.S. Federal Reserve both decided to maintain the interest rate status quo. He explains why neither bank is willing to cave in to market or political pressure, and why, nevertheless, there is likely to be a divergence in the two countries’ monetary policies. Ashish also explores what this will mean for the markets and your portfolio.

Why fundamentals are trumping politics

In spite of tariff issues persisting (with few actual trade deals made so far), the markets continue to grow across the board, says IG Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Strategist, Philip Petursson. The S&P 500, the S&P/TSX Composite Index and even the MSCI EAFE Index (which represents developed international markets) have all been hitting new highs. Although politics was affecting the markets as recently as last April, Philip provides three reasons why market fundamentals are now vanquishing political noise.

Debunking the cash on the sidelines myth

IG Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Strategist, Philip Petursson, debunks the myth of cash on the sidelines. He explains why the record $7 trillion in money market funds doesn’t necessarily mean a surge in stock prices and discusses the importance of margin debt and market dynamics.

Is the market too expensive?

With the S&P 500 recently hitting another record high, and earnings season about to begin, IG Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Strategist, Philip Petursson asks: is the market too expensive? Philip explains that in this market of extremes — where the most expensive are very expensive — many of the remaining stocks are not. He discusses how a handful of names are leading market gains, meaning that there is plenty of value to be found elsewhere, and why high valuations aren’t a cause for panic, but a reason to be selective.  

Trade tensions and the July 9 deadline

Join Philip Petursson, IG Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Strategist, as he examines the recent U.S. trade agreements with Vietnam and the U.K., and what they reveal about the upcoming July 9 deadline for the U.S. administration's trade strategy. Philip discusses the potential scenarios and implications for global markets.

Market resilience: lessons from Q2

Join IG Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Strategist, Philip Petursson as he discusses the market's reaction to the politically charged shocks in 2025’s second quarter. He explores how “What, me worry?” could have been a viable investment strategy during this period and provides insights into the market's resilience amid headline-driven volatility.

Geopolitics versus your portfolio: what's the real impact?

“Volatility isn’t just risk, it’s also opportunity,” says Philip Petursson, Chief Investment Strategist at IG Wealth Management. This week, Philip unpacks the relationship between geopolitics and investment portfolios. Philip explains why markets demand clarity over peace and how investors can navigate uncertainty by focusing on fundamentals and diversification. He shares insights on turning volatility into opportunity and offers three principles for investing through geopolitical turmoil.

Market optimism and its underlying cracks

Philip Petursson, Chief Investment Strategist at IG Wealth Management, delves into the current market dynamics as we head into the summer. He discusses the recent strong performance of the Nasdaq and the shift in investor sentiment from fear to cautious optimism. Philip also explores the underlying economic indicators and the renewed interest in quality and defensive stocks. Despite the market's bounce, he highlights the ongoing risks and the importance of staying vigilant in a market that rewards consistency and punishes complacency.

Interest rate cuts are paused. For now…

This week, the Bank of Canada (BoC) decided to hold its key interest rate at 2.75%, which was a surprise to nobody, says Philip Petursson, Chief Investment Strategist at IG Wealth Management. With gross domestic product a little better than expected, inflation dropping and jobs steady, a rate cut wouldn’t have made sense. Philip discusses what might have to happen in the future to lead to another rate drop, and how much room the BoC has for further cuts.