Grant Stefanowski's blog

The month of October was a volatile month for the markets. After a positive September and run in the markets, a pullback for a month is to be expected.

In September, the S&P500 fell -1.0%, the DOW fell -1.3%, the Nasdaq fell -0.5%, while Canada’s TSX gained 0.65%.

The month of September proved to be positive across the markets as the long-awaited interest rate cut cycle began in the US, and rate cuts continue in the Great White North.

In September, the NASDAQ was up 0.4%, the Dow was up 1.1%, and the S&P500 was up 2.0%.

The month of August saw some extreme volatility to kick off the month, but the markets then regained much of the loses by the end of the month.

While many were out enjoying the summer sun, the markets were busy at work for the month of July. As we’ve grown accustomed to, there was more rate cut news driving the market along with some interesting money movement from the Mag 7 to the broader market. The month of July reinforced the importance of diversified investments. 

Leaving Canada can be a complicated scenario to navigate from a financial perspective. We can across the following article on the Financial Post that breaks down some very helpful general information to consider if you are looking at moving out of the Great White North. To read the article, please CLICK HERE. 

June saw some volatility in the markets as the world continues to play the wait-and-see game with a sustained direction on where US interest rates are going. With June wrapped up, we also concluded an overall healthy first half of the year.

May saw the capital markets bounce back from the previous month. Reported inflation in Canada and the US continued to show signs of easing. Also, Canada’s GDP grew less than expected.

April saw a general pullback in the markets. Inflation in the US and Canada came in slightly higher than expected which stoked further fears of a higher-for-longer interest rate mandate in the US. However, stretching things out a bit further, the markets have been on a spectacular run since October 28^th 2023, so the markets pulling back for a month isn’t the worse thing from a long-term investment perspective.

March was a solid month for the markets. As we have grown accustomed to, inflation and interest rates dominated much of the conversation. The last month also saw oil continue its rebound. 

March Market Performance:

With an extra day in the calendar, the Leap Year proved to be a positive for the markets. February saw the markets continue their recent upward trajectory.

February Market Performance: