The Living Market Podcast

The latest member of the $1 trillion club

Berkshire Hathaway, the investment company run by Warren Buffet, recently hit the $1-trillion-value mark, says IG Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Strategist, Philip Petursson. Since 1987, Buffet’s company has returned an average of 16.7% annually, considerably more than the S&P 500’s average return of around 11% over the same period. Philip explains why the company often performs well when markets are down and why his team’s tactical tilts are mirroring those of Berkshire Hathaway; cutting stakes in equities and boosting the fixed income portion.

Where are the recent gains coming from?

What drives one stock index to outperform another? This is the key question that IG Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Strategist, Philip Petursson explores in considering whether recent gains on the S&P/TSX Composite are coming from the success of the companies that make up the index, or are the gains the output of something else altogether.

Lessons we learned from this earnings season

IG Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Strategist, Philip Petursson reviews the most recent earnings season. This is when companies report their quarterly revenue (sales) and earnings (profits). Philip explains the difference between the two, how disappointing revenue can still result in increased earnings, which sectors were this season’s winners and losers, and what needs to happen for S&P 500 stocks to continue to increase in value.

Are we missing the bigger picture?

It’s easy for market participants to get obsessed with tiny details, says IG Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Strategist, Philip Petursson. Right now, it’s an obsession with the U.S. Federal Reserve’s next move on cutting rates, which would require an acceptance that the economy is weakening. At the same time, however, markets expect earnings to grow by 10% over the next 12 months, suggesting a strong economy. Given this paradox, Philip says that now is the time to step back from the minute details and focus on what is currently crucial for investment portfolios.

How a carry trade works and why it’s causing such volatility

On Monday, Japan’s Nikkei index saw its worst two-day drop ever, having reached an all-time high just three weeks ago, says Ashish Utarid, Assistant Vice-President, Investment Strategy. While several factors were in play, one in particular seemed to spark this extreme volatility: the carry trade. Ashish explains how a carry trade works, how it’s at risk from currency fluctuations and what you can do to help protect your portfolio from this kind of volatility.

Is the Fed making a policy mistake?

The U.S. Federal Reserve has decided to stay put and follow market expectations by not cutting rates. However, by changing its statement, the Fed set expectations for a September cut, saying that job gains have moderated and that inflation was now only “somewhat elevated.” Ashish Utarid, IG Wealth Management’s Assistant Vice-President of Investment Strategy, asks, “Will the Fed’s eventual rate cut come too late?”

A pivot from inflation-fighting to economic support

Having just announced a second interest rate cut that quickly followed the first, what’s next for the Bank of Canada? asks IG Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Strategist, Philip Petursson. The bank has clearly switched its priorities from fighting inflation (a battle it has surely won) to supporting the Canadian economy. Philip discusses the probable rate cuts ahead, the likely timing for the U.S. Federal Reserve to start following Canada’s lead, and what this will all mean to consumers and the economy.

Is the big companies’ overperformance a problem?

Some commentators are worried about a market recovery where most gains are coming from a small percentage of companies, says IG Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Strategist, Philip Petursson. There is a fear that many of these large companies are very expensive, with overly high expectations. However, Philip explains that in this weird bull market — where most companies have underperformed so far — if the big companies start seeing a correction, another sector will be ready to step in to take its place.

Labour: the currency that keeps the world spinning

Labour has been traded for food, shelter and clothing for thousands of years, says IG Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Strategist, Philip Petursson. It’s the currency that keeps the world spinning and plays an important role in our understanding of the economic landscape. Philip explains why the most recent labour statistics raised some eyebrows and what they mean for the economy and your investments.

The challenges and opportunities of in-between seasons

The economy can be similar to those moments in-between old and new seasons, says Ashish Utarid, AVP, Investment Strategy at IG Wealth Management. Similar to how the transition from spring to summer can bring hot days followed by cooler periods, the economy can also show signs of this dual nature, with some sectors thriving far more than others. Ashish says that these moments can deliver hidden gems, and it’s crucial to position your portfolio to benefit from the unique opportunities available.