The Living Market Podcast

Interest rates: nothing to see here

While central banks have chosen to maintain their current stance, underlying uncertainty remains a significant factor. Ashish Utarid, Assistant Vice-President, Investment Strategy, IG Wealth Management, looks at the recent decisions by the Bank of Canada and the U.S. Federal Reserve and highlights why interest rates are no longer the dominant force in the markets. He says that growth, trade disputes, currency fluctuations and geopolitics are likely to prompt the markets’ next big moves.

Current volatility is disruptive, not destructive

Philip Petursson, Chief Investment Strategist at IG Wealth Management, discusses the rise in market volatility and the headlines capturing attention in early 2026. He examines the effects of recent geopolitical and policy developments — from new trade disputes to questions about the independence of the U.S. Federal Reserve — on investor confidence.

What's driving the U.S. economy's surge?

Philip Petursson, Chief Investment Strategist at IG Wealth Management, explores the remarkable acceleration in U.S. economic growth, as shown by the Atlanta Fed’s GDPNow model. Philip uncovers the roles of trade, fiscal stimulus and regulatory credit easing, while examining the tension between robust GDP figures and a cooling labour market.

Where will tariffs take us in 2026?

Philip Petursson, Chief Investment Strategist at IG Wealth Management, returns with a timely breakdown of the latest U.S. tariff developments and their broader economic consequences. He explains how tariff hikes on Canadian and Chinese imports were far lower than expected and why the most hopeful outcomes for tariffs might not lead to straightforward gains. Philip provides scenarios of how tariffs, inflation and monetary policy are shaping the investment outlook for 2026.

Fearless forecasts for 2026

Philip Petursson, Chief Investment Strategist at IG Wealth Management, throws out the consensus playbook and presents three fearless forecasts for 2026. From a bold call on copper’s relentless rise and oil’s surprising rebound, to the prospect of Canadian equities outpacing their U.S. counterparts for a second year, this episode challenges market assumptions and explores where opportunity may be hiding. Philip shares analytical insights into macroeconomic drivers, sector fundamentals and global trends that could define the year ahead.

How the wealth effect will set the stage for 2026

Philip Petursson, Chief Investment Strategist, IG Wealth Management, explores the fourth and final pillar of our 2026 market outlook: the wealth effect wave. He says that rising equity markets and the spending patterns of the wealthiest Americans continue to drive economic expansion. He also says consumer discretionary stocks signal economic strength and shares what disciplined investors should focus on as they navigate the markets in the year ahead.

How the AI spending boom will shape 2026

This episode explores the third pillar of our 2026 market outlook: the transformative AI supercycle. Ashish Utarid, Assistant Vice-President, Investment Strategy at IG Wealth Management, unpacks how disciplined, cash-flow-backed investments in artificial intelligence infrastructure are reshaping economic growth, enhancing productivity and driving the next phase of expansion. He says today’s AI investing cycle is fundamentally different from prior tech booms, and explores what this means for the markets and broader economy.

Why fiscal policy will have a leading role in 2026

This week, we have part two of our series on the 2026 market outlook. Ashish Utarid, Assistant Vice-President of Investment Strategy at IG Wealth Management delves into the fiscal engine, examining how expansionary fiscal policies in both the U.S. and Canada will drive market activity. He explains the effects of accelerated depreciation and Canadian stimulus on households, corporations and overall economic growth, emphasizing how this calculated boldness is likely to be rewarded by markets.

How will central banks drive the markets in 2026?

Philip Petursson, Chief Investment Strategist at IG Wealth Management, begins a four-part series on the 2026 market outlook by looking into the significant influence of monetary policy. He analyzes the current landscape, the signs indicating a weak recession risk and the supportive macroeconomic factors, with a deep dive into how global central banks' easing strategies will influence market performance and the Canadian dollar's stability.

Beating expectations: insights from earnings reports

Philip Petursson, Chief Investment Strategist at IG Wealth Management reviews third-quarter earnings results, highlighting the strong performance across the board. Philip emphasizes the importance of this earnings growth trend and discusses the balance between AI winners and other sectors. He also provides insights into valuations and the potential risks for the next quarter.