North American markets are under renewed pressure as escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East reshape the outlook for both stocks and interest rates. With the war in Iran driving oil prices higher, investors are increasingly concerned about rising inflation and the growing likelihood of additional interest-rate hikes in 2026. As a result, major indices […]
Category Archives: Blog
18
Mar
Mar
Canada’s inflation rate showed signs of easing in February, offering a brief sense of relief for households and policymakers alike. However, that relief may be temporary. A sharp surge in oil prices—triggered by escalating conflict in the Middle East at the end of the month—has yet to be reflected in the latest data. As a […]
11
Mar
Mar
Crude oil prices are surging again, climbing toward levels not seen in years as geopolitical tensions escalate in the Middle East. While rising oil prices can boost energy companies and oil-producing regions, they also ripple through the broader economy by increasing fuel costs, raising inflation, and pressuring consumers. With crude now approaching $120.00 per barrel, […]
04
Mar
Mar
Investors are once again asking how the war is impacting the stock markets after the U.S. and Israel launched coordinated strikes across Iran on February 28, sharply escalating tensions in the Middle East. Israel has also expanded its offensive campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Iran responded with retaliatory attacks across Israel and several Gulf states, […]
25
Feb
Feb
In his 2021 annual letter to shareholders, Warren Buffett, the “Oracle of Omaha” and then-head of Berkshire Hathaway, wrote that investors should “never bet against America.” And while he’s right—the U.S. is the world’s biggest economy—that doesn’t mean that U.S. stocks are always going to be on top. The TSX performance vs. the S&P 500 […]
19
Feb
Feb
January’s inflation data delivered an unexpected signal for Canada’s economy—and it may have meaningful implications for interest rates. With Canadian inflation easing more than forecast, investors and policymakers alike are reassessing the likelihood of a potential interest-rate cut by the Bank of Canada in the months ahead. Canadian inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price […]
Despite widespread concerns that rising U.S. tariffs would slow economic growth and weigh on corporate profits, early results suggest the opposite. As trade tensions have stabilized, S&P 500 companies are reporting stronger-than-expected fourth-quarter earnings growth—highlighting the market’s resilience even in a more protectionist global trade environment. Have U.S. Tariffs Hurt the Economy? When U.S. President […]
On January 30, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he will nominate Kevin Warsh to be the next Federal Reserve chair. While the Federal Reserve is supposed to act independently from the White House, Warsh is expected to be more aligned with President Trump when it comes to interest rates. Who Is Kevin Warsh, Trump’s […]
30
Jan
Jan
Canada’s economic outlook remains clouded by stubborn inflation, slowing growth, and ongoing uncertainty surrounding U.S. trade policy. Against this backdrop, the Bank of Canada once again chose to keep its key interest rate unchanged—a decision that carries important implications for the Canadian economy, financial markets, and active traders watching for signals on what comes next. […]
22
Jan
Jan
Canadian inflation is back in focus after new data showed prices rising faster than expected to end the year. The December jump in Canada’s inflation rate has renewed questions about where interest rates are headed and how the Bank of Canada may respond in 2026. For investors, inflation trends matter—not just for household budgets, but […]
