The Living Market Podcast

Why you shouldn’t ignore China

IG Wealth Management’s Assistant Vice-President of Investment Strategy, Ashish Utarid explores China’s meteoric economic rise. Since 2001, when the country joined the World Trade Organization, with exports of around US$200 billion, China has grown to the point where it had exports of US$3.6 trillion in 2022. Ashish believes that, given China’s commitment to ongoing economic growth, and its huge industrialization and urbanization, every investor should consider exposure to Chinese assets.

The Weightful Eight are losing weight

The NASDAQ has dominated the market in the first half of the year, with an increase of 38% so far, driven by the surge in the tech industry, says IG Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Strategist, Philip Petursson. However, the Weightful Eight (the top tech companies) have recently been losing ground, meaning there could be more diverse opportunities in the latter half of the year, which could be good news for more diversified portfolios.

The upside to higher interest rates: bond performance

An inverted yield curve is an infamous predictor of recession, says IG Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Strategist, Philip Petursson. But it can also signal opportunity. Whether the economy experiences a soft landing, hard landing — or even no landing, fixed income is positioned to deliver favourable returns for investors.

The elite trillionaire’s club keeps growing

With Nvidia recently joining the elite group of trillion-dollar companies, IG Wealth Management’s Assistant Vice-President, Investment Strategy, Ashish Utarid discusses what it takes to reach this milestone. He examines the handful of companies that make up the group so far and how Nvidia grew from a $75-billion company to its current trillion-dollar valuation in just four years.

Inflation is like a speeding train: it’ll take a lot to stop it

Inflation is like a speeding train, says IG Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Strategist, Philip Petursson. Once it’s built up speed, it’s hard to stop without major consequences. He examines the recent drop in inflation, how he expects inflation to continue for the rest of the year, the Bank of Canada’s likely response and how all of this will impact the economy.  

How our predictions have turned out so far

IG Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Strategist, Philip Petursson looks back at some of his predictions for 2023, including international markets rebounding and the headwinds facing U.S. markets. He also looks ahead at the reminder of the year and where any potential opportunities might lie.

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?