The Living Market Podcast

Looking at inflation through a Canadian lens

The Bank of Canada held rates steady this week, but the tone of its statement revealed something important about the inflation challenge ahead. Philip Petursson, Chief Investment Strategist at IG Wealth Management, examines why raising rates during a period of oil-driven supply shock could do more harm than good. He explains how higher oil prices act as a tax on consumers, why the Canadian economy is already showing signs of fatigue and what this means for the probability of rate cuts before year-end. Plus, he shares insights on how a potential policy divergence between Canada and the U.S. could pressure the loonie toward the lower end of its projected range.

Global energy: is it a temporary disruption or a lasting break?

After oil spiked above $119 and markets panicked, the waters have calmed a little. Ashish Utarid, Assistant Vice-President, Investment Strategy, discusses whether the current energy crisis will be a temporary operational shock or a lasting supply break. He explains that the system is clogging rather than cutting off completely, how supply-driven shock differs from demand overheating, and what signals investors should monitor to distinguish whether this is just short-term volatility or if the impact could be longer lasting.

Navigating volatility: lessons from the Strait of Hormuz

How will the latest geopolitical tensions among Iran, the United States and Israel affect global markets? Philip Petursson, Chief Investment Strategist at IG Wealth Management, provides a thorough analysis. He explains why the Strait of Hormuz is essential for oil supply, how Canadian equities could benefit from elevated oil prices and why maintaining disciplined investing is important during periods of volatility.

What the tariff decision really means for markets

What does the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision on tariffs mean to investors? Philip Petursson, Chief Investment Strategist, IG Wealth Management, says despite the attention-grabbing headlines, the core components of trade policy remain unchanged. Philip says the bigger story is about growing uncertainty and shifting market leadership. He explores how global markets, inflation and portfolio positioning may be affected, and shares some things to keep an eye on as trade policy enters a new phase.

The AI conundrum: opportunity and risk

AI is having two seemingly contradictory effects on the markets, says Ashish Utarid, Assistant Vice-President, Investment Strategy, IG Wealth Management. AI’s spending and projects are real, and the investment amounts are stratospheric. At the same time, AI is disrupting today’s reality, and the market is already pricing in that disruption before it’s even had a chance to affect companies’ balance sheets. Ashish explains what this means for the markets and investors.

Gold, bitcoin and the new rules of risk

Philip Petursson, Chief Investment Strategist, IG Wealth Management examines the shifting roles of gold and bitcoin in the modern financial environment. He offers a thorough look at why gold continues to serve as a premier safe-haven asset during global turmoil, while bitcoin struggles with its identity. He also examines the gold-to-silver ratio and the evolving nature of risk appetite.

Maple money meets metal momentum

Philip Petursson, Chief Investment Strategist, IG Wealth Management, examines a significant juncture for global markets: the Bank of Canada’s wait-and-see stance, the U.S. Federal Reserve’s likely policies during a leadership transition and a noticeable correction in precious metals. He explores how evolving signals from central banks, currency changes and valuation adjustments are influencing investor sentiment.

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.