The Living Market Podcast

Time to spring your financial plan into action

In this special edition podcast, IG Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Strategist, Philip Petursson and Christine Van Cauwenberghe, IG’s head of financial planning, discuss why the spring is an ideal time to revisit your financial plan. They suggest topics to discuss with your advisor, such as any life changes, tax efficiencies, possible changes to asset allocations and RESP/RRSP withdrawal strategies.
 

The huge influence of the “Weightful Eight”

IG Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Strategist, Philip Petursson discusses the consequences of a top -heavy market, where the eight biggest companies account for 25% of the S&P 500. He explains the impacts the “Weightful Eight” can have on the markets when you consider that a company like Apple is more valuable than the entire Chinese stock market.

The causes and effects of the recent banking crisis

IG Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Strategist, Philip Petursson discusses the causes of the recent regional bank failures in the U.S. and explains how this is different from the financial crisis of 2008. He also considers how big issues for banks can become big issues for everyone, with tighter lending standards having an impact on inflation and economic growth.

Why we pay attention to manufacturing

On top of manufacturing’s 11% contribution to U.S. GDP, many more companies ship, sell and service manufactured goods. This is why, according to IG Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Strategist, Philip Petursson, manufacturing data can tell us so much about the economy, including helping us to predict earnings growth and the direction of bonds.

Is “sell in May and go away” good advice?

Some ideas behind market seasonality, like “sell in May and go away”, the Santa Claus rally and the Halloween effect, still appeal to some investors looking to buy low and sell higher. IG Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Strategist, Philip Petursson explores the realities of historical returns and makes his suggestions for successfully navigating the markets between May and September.

Expectations and the earnings season

This week, IG Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Strategist, Philip Petursson discusses the insights we can glean from earnings season. He explains how positive expectations don’t always mean good news and that we can use market expectations to our advantage, provided we tame our emotions.

The unyielding reign of the U.S. dollar

The reserve currency status of the U.S. dollar is an advantage that has been helping America on the world stage since the end of World War 2. This week, IG Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Strategist, Philip Petursson shares reasons why the U.S. dollar has remained the world’s primary reserve currency. He also weighs the viability of other alternative currencies challenging its dominance.

The oil is plentiful and the drama is real.

While OPEC may not be as powerful as it was in the 1970s, it still wields a large influence over oil markets, says IG Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Strategist, Philip Petursson. He takes us through the history of the oil cartel and discusses how its recent decision to cut production could impact economic recovery and the loonie.

Is Big Tech a safe haven for investors?

As the markets continue to be stormy, IG Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Strategist, Philip Petursson suggests an unlikely safe haven may have emerged: Big Tech. Current conditions seem to favour large tech firms; last month, as the majority of Nasdaq stocks lost value, Microsoft, Apple and Alphabet collectively gained by $634 billion.

Did the Bank of Canada just beat inflation?

Trending inflation data suggests that the Bank of Canada has succeeded in reducing inflation, says IG Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Strategist, Philip Petursson. However, while the markets are anticipating a rate cut later this year, Philip explains why he thinks this is unlikely.