The Living Market Podcast

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.

The bond market's new reality

U.S. bonds took centre stage again this week, says Philip Petursson, Chief Investment Strategist at IG Wealth Management. This was due to President Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill, which is expected to add $3.3 trillion to the U.S. deficit over the next decade. Philip says that U.S. Treasury bonds are now considered almost as risky as Microsoft’s; he explains how we got to this unusual situation and what it means for investors. 

Do credit ratings still matter?

Philip Petursson, Chief Investment Strategist at IG Wealth Management, discusses the recent downgrade of U.S. debt by Moody’s and Fitch, and why these downgrades matter more symbolically than financially. He explains the market's reaction to past downgrades and the underlying reasons why Treasuries remain a safe haven, despite the ratings.

Trade truce brings relief for global markets

Ashish Utarid, Assistant Vice-President, Investment Strategy at IG Wealth Management delves into the recent 90-day mutual tariff reduction deal between the U.S. and China and its immediate impact on global markets. He explains how the reduction in tariffs has provided much-needed relief, leading to a surge in equities, but also cautions that deeper issues in the trade relationship remain unresolved. Ashish discusses the potential long-term implications and why investors should maintain a balanced perspective, despite the current market optimism.

Estate planning: avoiding common pitfalls

In this special edition of The Living Market, Aurèle Courcelles Vice-President, Tax and Estate Planning at IG Wealth Management and Dan Britton, Assistant Vice-President, Tax and Estate Planning at IG Wealth Management, discuss the key elements of a comprehensive estate plan and why it's crucial for Canadians. They explore the common misconceptions about estate planning, the importance of having a will and the potential pitfalls of not considering joint ownership and beneficiary designations. Dan also provides practical advice on how to get started with estate planning and the critical role of communication with your chosen executor.

From drop to pop: what’s driving the market rally?

Ashish Utarid, Assistant Vice-President, Investment Strategy at IG Wealth Management, discusses the recent market turnaround and the shift in sentiment from negative to positive. He explains why this positive stance is more about technical factors and market structure, rather than improved fundamentals. Ashish also explores the potential tailwinds and underlying risks, including the impact of trade tensions on the real economy.

What’s next for Canadian investors after the election?

Philip Petursson, Chief Investment Strategist at IG Wealth Management, discusses the implications of the election on the Canadian market and currency. He explores the potential impacts on trade policy, energy and resources, and fiscal measures, and explains why the election results are likely to bring more stability and less uncertainty for investors.

What’s driving the Canadian dollar’s strength?

Philip Petursson, Chief Investment Strategist at IG Wealth Management discusses the unexpected strengthening of the Canadian dollar. He explores the conflicting narratives driving this trend, from the U.S. Federal Reserve’s potential rate cuts to the broader implications of U.S. political policies, and what it all means for investors.