The Living Market Podcast

How many times will the market fall for it?

When should investors react to headlines and when should they hold steady? Philip Petursson, Chief Investment Strategist, IG Wealth Management, addresses the challenge of separating emotional reactions from sound evaluation during volatile periods. He discusses the Trump administration's consistent pattern of escalation followed by de-escalation, why oil price increases don't automatically signal recession, and what historical data reveals about the difference between ordinary corrections and genuine market crashes. Philip shares why current economic indicators — strong jobless claims, improving manufacturing and resilient trade data — suggest fundamentals remain solid despite unsettling headlines from Washington, Jerusalem and Tehran.

What you need to know before filing taxes this year

Tax season is here. Are you ready? Host Aurèle Courcelles, Vice-President, Tax and Estate Planning at IG Wealth Management, sits down with Jonathan Braun, Senior Manager of Tax and Estate Planning at IG Wealth Management, to break down everything Canadians need to know for their 2025 tax filing. They discuss the new federal tax rate reduction and its surprising impact on non-refundable credits, updated alternative minimum tax rules, strategic timing for RRSP deductions, how to maximize medical expenses and charitable donations, and essential prep work to make tax season less stressful. Whether you're self-employed, working from home or managing investments, this special edition of the Living Market delivers practical strategies to help you file with confidence.

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.