The Living Market Podcast

Tips for investing in a volatile environment

IG Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Strategist, Philip Petursson says that while the current investing landscape is undoubtedly challenging, it’s important to remember that a weak economy does not automatically mean poor market returns. Philip shares his tips for investing in a volatile environment and reminds us that negative economic data has historically been followed by strong market returns.

Has the Fed lost control?

The U.S. Federal Reserve, or the Fed as it’s known, is once again caught between a rock and a hard place, says IG Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Strategist, Philip Petursson. On one hand, the Fed doesn’t want to hike interest rates and trigger a recession into 2024. On the other, it sure doesn’t want to slash them. Philip says markets are beginning to come to terms with this standoff.

What you need to know about risk

IG Wealth Management’s Assistant Vice-President, Investment Strategy, Ashish Utarid says, when we delve into investment risks, it’s essential to discern between two primary types: systemic and non-systemic risk. He says investment strategy takes empirical data from around the world, and by interpreting these indicators, his team provides insights for an investment decision or thesis. He says what has changed in the last decade is the impact of mass media on investor sentiment — which requires insights into geopolitical risk.

Even when you get it right, you can get it wrong

It can be impossible to truly predict the markets, even when you think you have all the data at your fingertips, says IG Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Strategist, Philip Petursson. Philip explains what happened when Jane Street, a quantitative trading firm, managed to predict Donald Trump’s election victory in 2016 and used that information to bet on the overnight futures market.

Are we heading for a soft landing or stagflation?

This week, IG Wealth Management’s Assistant Vice-President, Investment Strategy Ashish Utarid explains how the markets are reacting to long-term bond yields outpacing short-term yields. While this situation often foreshadows a recession (as do higher-for-longer interest rates), other economic data — such as the strong labour market, tamed inflation and improving manufacturing — suggest a soft landing.   

What’s causing market volatility — and will it last?

September is usually the worst month of the year for equity markets, says IG Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Strategist, Philip Petursson. However, there’s much more to current stock market volatility than seasonal precedent. Philip explains the reasons behind volatility, including the role that high bond yields play in reducing stock value. He also suggests the kind of stocks to focus on in this high-interest-rate environment.   

Oil: the pickpocket of the global economy

IG Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Strategist, Philip Petursson describes rising oil prices as being like a tax on global consumers. He explores the reasons behind oil’s recent jumps in price, how those increases are likely to affect consumer spending and whether this most recent oil shock is likely to bring about a recession, as has happened in the past.

The Bank of Canada’s economy conundrum

The Bank of Canada’s goal of lowering inflation is having a noticeable impact on the economy, says IG Wealth Management’s Assistant Vice-President, Investment Strategy, Ashish Utarid. Higher interest rates have increased mortgage costs by as much as 30%, which in turn are contributing to current inflation levels. Ashish explains how this has all led to reduced consumer spending and an economy that’s been practically stagnant for the past four months.

What’s better: the best manager or the best asset class?

IG Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Strategist, Philip Petursson says that common sense might have you believe that your portfolio needs the best asset managers in the best asset class. However, historically, top performing asset managers rarely maintain their high position from one year to the next. In that case, how can you make sure your portfolio has a steady, dependable performance?

How do you build a portfolio to withstand ever-changing conditions?

IG Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Strategist, Philip Petursson says the aim of an investment portfolio is to maximize the return for every risk taken. He says the inherent challenge is that both risk and return are variables that fluctuate. This week he looks at the complexities that investors face and considers what the optimal strategy might be in such an ever-changing investment landscape.