The Living Market Podcast

What do recent labour stats mean for the markets?

Recent labour market data in Canada and the U.S. reveals signs of weakness, with significant job losses and rising unemployment, says Philip Petursson, Chief Investment Strategist at IG Wealth Management. He examines the data, the policy implications and the forward-looking indicators that investors should watch out for.

Market reality vs. the headline narrative

There is a disconnect between market performance and the headlines that dominate the news, says Philip Petursson, Chief Investment Strategist, IG Wealth Management. He highlights how, in the past year, the market has defied expectations in Europe, Israel and China, despite negative narratives. Philip emphasizes the importance of trading based on actual market conditions, rather than emotional reactions to news and politics.

September reset and market momentum

Philip Petursson, Chief Investment Strategist at IG Wealth Management, explores the market's resilience and momentum in September. He highlights solid profit margins, a recovering manufacturing sector and strong consumer confidence. He explains how market highs are not a cause for panic and how momentum can drive further gains, as he offers insights into the fall outlook.

What all-time highs tell us about the markets

This year has already seen close to 20 record highs for the S&P 500, says Philip Petursson, Chief Investment Strategist at IG Wealth Management. But can an index get too high? Philip shares data on the 968 all-time highs since 1970, including how long these periods typically last and how, on average, the market has reacted afterwards, including details of gains and losses.

The power of low expectations

Ashish Utarid, Assistant Vice-President, Investment Strategy at IG Wealth Management, explores the second-quarter earnings season and the role of low expectations in driving positive surprises. He breaks down how companies across various sectors managed to outperform despite the tariff noise.

The summer slump explained

Summer is historically a sluggish time of year for the stock market, says Ashish Utarid, Assistant Vice-President, Investment Strategy at IG Wealth Management. While July usually delivers a decent return, August is typically flat, and September normally dips. Ashish explains what this seasonal slump means, why a summer wobble is expected (and not panic-worthy), and how it can prepare us for what’s ahead in the fall.

Interest rates are staying put: but for how long?

This week, Ashish Utarid, Assistant Vice-President, Investment Strategy at IG Wealth Management discusses the reasons why the Bank of Canada and U.S. Federal Reserve both decided to maintain the interest rate status quo. He explains why neither bank is willing to cave in to market or political pressure, and why, nevertheless, there is likely to be a divergence in the two countries’ monetary policies. Ashish also explores what this will mean for the markets and your portfolio.

Why fundamentals are trumping politics

In spite of tariff issues persisting (with few actual trade deals made so far), the markets continue to grow across the board, says IG Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Strategist, Philip Petursson. The S&P 500, the S&P/TSX Composite Index and even the MSCI EAFE Index (which represents developed international markets) have all been hitting new highs. Although politics was affecting the markets as recently as last April, Philip provides three reasons why market fundamentals are now vanquishing political noise.

Debunking the cash on the sidelines myth

IG Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Strategist, Philip Petursson, debunks the myth of cash on the sidelines. He explains why the record $7 trillion in money market funds doesn’t necessarily mean a surge in stock prices and discusses the importance of margin debt and market dynamics.

Is the market too expensive?

With the S&P 500 recently hitting another record high, and earnings season about to begin, IG Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Strategist, Philip Petursson asks: is the market too expensive? Philip explains that in this market of extremes — where the most expensive are very expensive — many of the remaining stocks are not. He discusses how a handful of names are leading market gains, meaning that there is plenty of value to be found elsewhere, and why high valuations aren’t a cause for panic, but a reason to be selective.