The Living Market Podcast

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.

When doing nothing is the smartest move

 
The Bank of Canada gave us no hike, no cut and no forecasts for growth or inflation, says Philip Petursson, Chief Investment Strategist at IG Wealth Management. He says the bank’s recent decision to stand firm at 2.75% reflects a cautious “wait and see” approach in the face of global and domestic uncertainties. Philip delves into the bank's well-balanced statement, the clashing forces of economic slowdown and tariff-driven cost increases, and why staying put might be the best strategy in such a volatile environment.

When should we lean into volatility?

This is a very different environment compared to other historical periods of volatility, says IG Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Strategist, Philip Petursson. This one was caused by political policy, rather than a financial shock, so it should be temporary. If that’s the case, how do we know when to jump back into equities? Philip outlines three pieces of market data (including the CBOE Volatility Index, elevated one- and two-day drops in market value, and investor pessimism) that suggest that now may be the time to capitalize on lower equity prices. 

Is this the end of U.S. exceptionalism?

For nearly 15 years, the U.S. stock market has been the standout performer, but is that about to change? Philip Petursson, Chief Investment Strategist at IG Wealth Management, explores the economic implications of U.S. government deficits, the rise of European fiscal spending and the recalibration of tech giants' growth narratives. Philip discusses the potential shift in global investment trends and the opportunities in commodities and Chinese equities.

We’re now in a correction: what next?

With the market officially in correction territory, IG Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Strategist, Philip Petursson says that the big question on most investors’ lips now is: when will the market rally begin? Philip explains what defines corrections and bear markets, and discusses the statistics that market analysts use to help them predict the timing of market recoveries. While having the odds on your side is no guarantee of winning, the CBOE Volatility Index has successfully predicted most recent market upturns.

Beyond politics: the economic effects of tariffs

IG Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Strategist, Philip Petursson delves into the economic and market implications of President Trump’s trade policies. By focusing on empirical data and practical outcomes, Philip examines how tariffs have affected consumer prices, employment, the trade deficit, and international relations. Despite the intended protective measures, the data suggests that tariffs have led to higher costs for consumers, job losses in certain sectors, and increased economic uncertainty.

The Bank of Canada's rate cut: a response to tariffs

The Bank of Canada has cut interest rates, but not for the reasons you might think, says IG Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Strategist, Philip Petursson. Governor Macklem emphasized the recent strength of the Canadian economy and labour market, making it clear that the cut was a direct response to the tariffs imposed by President Trump. Philip explores the implications of this decision and the balancing act the bank faces.