Author: Danny Popescu | March 28th, 2022
Happy Monday,
A year ago, it would have been difficult to predict an “all green” week with all the negative influences occurring simultaneously. The continuing invasion of Ukraine and it’s resulting economic and energy implications, surging case counts in some areas for the Omicron BA.2 variant and rising interest rates would typically take its toll on markets. Last week that was not the case:
– The strong resistance inside Ukraine has Russian leadership limiting ambitions to the far eastern parts of the country. The military losses (personnel and equipment) and lack of progress by the invaders are positive for Ukraine and its allies politically, humanitarianly, and economically.
– Optimism regarding Omicron’s BA.2 variant persists despite its high transmissibility. Vaccinations and Omicron’s prior prevalence may slow BA.2’s uptake and reduce severe illness and hospitalization rates.
– Although the threat of increased interest rates has not spiked, overall rates are still historically low despite recent rise and promises of additional increases. Fears of recession and stagflation remain low; at least for now.
Despite the headlines, the TSX is delivering healthy year-to-date and year-over-year results that outperform the American indices. Notwithstanding the losses from U.S. equities to date in 2022, their performance over the past year (including Q1 2022) has been reasonable; especially the broad-based S&P 500. The tech-heavy NASDAQ has delivered more than 10% over the past two weeks to overcome its deep losses that 2022 has produced.
In Canada, the survey of employment and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for January, March’s Purchasing Managers Indexes (PMI) and earnings from Dollarama, Blackberry will be released.
In the U.S., February’s wholesale and retail inventories, construction spending, goods trade deficit, personal spending and personal income will be announced. PMIs from ISM and Markit for March along with consumer confidence, and the important non-farm payroll report are scheduled for release.
Globally, in a week with many varied data to be announced, Germany’s consumer confidence, retail sales, unemployment and consumer price index, Japan’s jobless rate, retail sales, PMIs and industrial production, China’s PMI, Eurozone jobless rate, consumer confidence and consumer inflation will be released. OPEC+ will meet and an EU/China summit is planned.
Have a good week!
Danny
“I have prepared this commentary to give you my thoughts on various investment alternatives and considerations which may be relevant to your portfolio. This commentary reflects my opinions alone and may not reflect the views of Harbourfront Wealth Management. In expressing these opinions, I bring my best judgment and professional experience from the perspective of someone who surveys a broad range of investments. Therefore, this report should be viewed as a reflection of my informed opinions rather than analyses produced by Harbourfront Wealth Management Inc.”
Disclaimer – This information transmitted is intended to provide general guidance on matters of interest for the personal use of the reader who accepts full responsibility for its use and is not to be considered a definitive analysis of the law and factual situation of any particular individual or entity. As such, it should not be used as a substitute for consultation with a professional accounting, tax, legal or other professional advisor. Laws and regulations are continually changing, and their application and impact can vary widely based on the specific facts involved and will vary based on the particular situation of an individual or entity. Prior to making any decision or taking any action, you should consult with a professional advisor. The information is provided with the understanding that Harbourfront Wealth Management is not herein engaged in rendering legal, accounting, tax or other professional advice. While we have made every attempt to ensure the information contained in this document is reliable, Harbourfront Wealth Management is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. All information is provided “as is,” with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, timeliness or as to the outcome to be obtained from the use of this information, and is without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Harbourfront Wealth Management Inc. The particulars contained herein were obtained from sources we believe to be reliable but are not guaranteed by us and may be incomplete. The opinions expressed are not to be construed as a solicitation or offer to buy or sell any securities mentioned herein. Harbourfront or any of its connected or related parties may act as financial advisor or fiscal agent for certain companies mentioned herein and may receive remuneration for its services. The comments and information pertaining to any investment products (The Portfolios) sponsored by Willoughby Asset Management are not to be construed as a public offering of securities in any jurisdiction of Canada. The offering of units of The Portfolios is made pursuant to the Offering Memorandum or Simplified Prospectus and only to investors in Canadian jurisdictions. Important information about The Portfolios is contained in the Offering Memorandum or Simplified Prospectus available through Willoughby Asset Management. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees, performance fees, and expenses all may be associated with investments in The Portfolios. Investments in The Portfolios are not guaranteed, their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated. Historical annual compounded total returns including changes in unit value and reinvestment of all distributions do not take into account sales, distribution or optional charges or income taxes payable by any security holder that would have reduced returns. Unit values and investment returns will fluctuate and there is no assurance that The Portfolios can maintain a specific net asset value. Harbourfront Wealth Management Inc. (“Harbourfront”) has relationships with related and /or connected issuers, which may include the securities or funds discussed in this commentary and are disclosed in our Statement of Policies Regarding Related and Connected Issuers. This policy is included in your new client package, on our website, or can be obtained from your investment advisor.
How low can Canada’s rates go?
12 April 2024