Bridging the Gap

What goes into generating an economic slump? There’s speculation that the Canadian economy may experience a recession at some point in 2024 – and maybe it will.

The idea that a U.S. recession could be imminent is likely to spark anxiety among investors. We highlight five considerations that investors should pay attention to.

Investors faced many challenges in 2023 including elevated inflation, interest rate hikes, geopolitical conflicts, and a slowing global economy. Those who were patient and rode out the volatility were rewarded. After several years of challenging returns, equity and bond prices rose amid signs of a slowing global economy and the possibility that central banks will begin to cut interest rates in 2024.

Since the beginning of the year, Canadian and U.S. economic data has pointed to stubborn inflation resulting in market pricing in more interest rate hikes than expected.

The first quarter (Q1) of 2023 was a rollercoaster ride for investors. Market volatility unfolded following U.S. and European banking turmoil, and interest rates and inflation climbed—evoking investor fears about financial stability.

2022 was a tumultuous year for investors, to say the least. Markets around the world were affected by high inflation, rising interest rates, and concerns about slowing economic growth in 2023.

There may be ways to avoid the downside of volatility.  Solutions For Financial Planning, Winter 2022*

You may be hearing the term “stagflation” more and more these days. But what does it mean? It’s the melding of two words. Stagnation and inflation. Typically, inflation is caused by an economy operating at full capacity. With higher demand, companies can charge more for products.

Why this blast from the past might be making a comeback. Solutions For Financial Planning, Winter 2022*

Why invest in the equity markets? Day-to-day volatility can be unsettling to watch. Corrections happen, but they don’t last forever. This short video gives you an overview of corrections in equity markets, and compares the upturns to the downturns.

[Manulife Investment Management] Rising interest rates are putting a damper on the Canadian housing market as mortgages become more expensive for potential buyers. But there's more to watch...

[Manulife Investment Management] The U.S. Federal Reserve’s decision on Wednesday to raise U.S. interest rates by 75 basis points to 3.25% was well priced into the markets and, therefore, should come as little surprise to investors..