The Living Market Podcast

Delving into the current state of consumers

IG Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Strategist, Philip Petursson explores the historical importance of consumer spending and the current state of consumers both north and south of the border. He examines the ongoing lows (including credit card debt levels, low savings and rising interest rates) and highs (a tight labour market and healthy wage growth) and what this all means for the economy.

What to expect after an unexpected rate hike

After the Bank of Canada’s most recent and somewhat surprising rate hike, IG Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Strategist, Philip Petursson wonders if it wasn’t premature, given that the rate hikes haven’t yet impacted many mortgage holders. He also examines the likely effect of this latest rate increase on the loonie and Canadian exporters.

So, are we still in a COVID economy?

Supply chain issues had a considerable impact on the economy during the pandemic, says IG Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Strategist, Philip Petursson. Post-lockdowns, inventory levels soared and are only now normalizing. Philip discusses the likelihood of a resurgence in freight activity later in the year and what that could mean for manufacturing and the markets.

Navigating the markets is like steering a ship

IG Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Strategist, Philip Petursson believes the current value of the U.S. equity market is based on some inaccurate assumptions. He feels that earnings estimates for the latter part of the year are optimistic and that a drop in interest rates is not likely any time soon. Should investors, therefore, be looking elsewhere — such as international equities and bond markets?

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.