The Living Market Podcast

Summer is historically a sluggish time of year for the stock market, says Ashish Utarid, Assistant Vice-President, Investment Strategy at IG Wealth Management. While July usually delivers a decent return, August is typically flat, and September normally dips. Ashish explains what this seasonal slump means, why a summer wobble is expected (and not panic-worthy), and how it can prepare us for what’s...

This week, Ashish Utarid, Assistant Vice-President, Investment Strategy at IG Wealth Management discusses the reasons why the Bank of Canada and U.S. Federal Reserve both decided to maintain the interest rate status quo. He explains why neither bank is willing to cave in to market or political pressure, and why, nevertheless, there is likely to be a divergence in the two countries’ monetary polici...

In spite of tariff issues persisting (with few actual trade deals made so far), the markets continue to grow across the board, says IG Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Strategist, Philip Petursson. The S&P 500, the S&P/TSX Composite Index and even the MSCI EAFE Index (which represents developed international markets) have all been hitting new highs. Although politics was affecting the...

IG Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Strategist, Philip Petursson, debunks the myth of cash on the sidelines. He explains why the record $7 trillion in money market funds doesn’t necessarily mean a surge in stock prices and discusses the importance of margin debt and market dynamics.

With the S&P 500 recently hitting another record high, and earnings season about to begin, IG Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Strategist, Philip Petursson asks: is the market too expensive? Philip explains that in this market of extremes — where the most expensive are very expensive — many of the remaining stocks are not. He discusses how a handful of names are leading market gains, meani...

Join Philip Petursson, IG Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Strategist, as he examines the recent U.S. trade agreements with Vietnam and the U.K., and what they reveal about the upcoming July 9 deadline for the U.S. administration's trade strategy. Philip discusses the potential scenarios and implications for global markets.

Join IG Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Strategist, Philip Petursson as he discusses the market's reaction to the politically charged shocks in 2025’s second quarter. He explores how “What, me worry?” could have been a viable investment strategy during this period and provides insights into the market's resilience amid headline-driven volatility.

“Volatility isn’t just risk, it’s also opportunity,” says Philip Petursson, Chief Investment Strategist at IG Wealth Management. This week, Philip unpacks the relationship between geopolitics and investment portfolios. Philip explains why markets demand clarity over peace and how investors can navigate uncertainty by focusing on fundamentals and diversification. He shares insights on turning volat...

Philip Petursson, Chief Investment Strategist at IG Wealth Management, delves into the current market dynamics as we head into the summer. He discusses the recent strong performance of the Nasdaq and the shift in investor sentiment from fear to cautious optimism. Philip also explores the underlying economic indicators and the renewed interest in quality and defensive stocks. Despite the market's b...

This week, the Bank of Canada (BoC) decided to hold its key interest rate at 2.75%, which was a surprise to nobody, says Philip Petursson, Chief Investment Strategist at IG Wealth Management. With gross domestic product a little better than expected, inflation dropping and jobs steady, a rate cut wouldn’t have made sense. Philip discusses what might have to happen in the future to lead to another...

U.S. bonds took centre stage again this week, says Philip Petursson, Chief Investment Strategist at IG Wealth Management. This was due to President Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill, which is expected to add $3.3 trillion to the U.S. deficit over the next decade. Philip says that U.S. Treasury bonds are now considered almost as risky as Microsoft’s; he explains how we got to this unusual situation and wh...

Philip Petursson, Chief Investment Strategist at IG Wealth Management, discusses the recent downgrade of U.S. debt by Moody’s and Fitch, and why these downgrades matter more symbolically than financially. He explains the market's reaction to past downgrades and the underlying reasons why Treasuries remain a safe haven, despite the ratings.

Ashish Utarid, Assistant Vice-President, Investment Strategy at IG Wealth Management delves into the recent 90-day mutual tariff reduction deal between the U.S. and China and its immediate impact on global markets. He explains how the reduction in tariffs has provided much-needed relief, leading to a surge in equities, but also cautions that deeper issues in the trade relationship remain unresolve...

In this special edition of The Living Market, Aurèle Courcelles Vice-President, Tax and Estate Planning at IG Wealth Management and Dan Britton, Assistant Vice-President, Tax and Estate Planning at IG Wealth Management, discuss the key elements of a comprehensive estate plan and why it's crucial for Canadians. They explore the common misconceptions about estate planning, the importance of having a...

Ashish Utarid, Assistant Vice-President, Investment Strategy at IG Wealth Management, discusses the recent market turnaround and the shift in sentiment from negative to positive. He explains why this positive stance is more about technical factors and market structure, rather than improved fundamentals. Ashish also explores the potential tailwinds and underlying risks, including the impact of trad...

Philip Petursson, Chief Investment Strategist at IG Wealth Management, discusses the implications of the election on the Canadian market and currency. He explores the potential impacts on trade policy, energy and resources, and fiscal measures, and explains why the election results are likely to bring more stability and less uncertainty for investors.

Philip Petursson, Chief Investment Strategist at IG Wealth Management discusses the unexpected strengthening of the Canadian dollar. He explores the conflicting narratives driving this trend, from the U.S. Federal Reserve’s potential rate cuts to the broader implications of U.S. political policies, and what it all means for investors.

  The Bank of Canada gave us no hike, no cut and no forecasts for growth or inflation, says Philip Petursson, Chief Investment Strategist at IG Wealth Management. He says the bank’s recent decision to stand firm at 2.75% reflects a cautious “wait and see” approach in the face of global and domestic uncertainties. Philip delves into the bank's well-balanced statement, the clashing forces of economi...

This is a very different environment compared to other historical periods of volatility, says IG Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Strategist, Philip Petursson. This one was caused by political policy, rather than a financial shock, so it should be temporary. If that’s the case, how do we know when to jump back into equities? Philip outlines three pieces of market data (including the CBOE Volat...

For nearly 15 years, the U.S. stock market has been the standout performer, but is that about to change? Philip Petursson, Chief Investment Strategist at IG Wealth Management, explores the economic implications of U.S. government deficits, the rise of European fiscal spending and the recalibration of tech giants' growth narratives. Philip discusses the potential shift in global investment trends a...

With the market officially in correction territory, IG Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Strategist, Philip Petursson says that the big question on most investors’ lips now is: when will the market rally begin? Philip explains what defines corrections and bear markets, and discusses the statistics that market analysts use to help them predict the timing of market recoveries. While having the od...

IG Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Strategist, Philip Petursson delves into the economic and market implications of President Trump’s trade policies. By focusing on empirical data and practical outcomes, Philip examines how tariffs have affected consumer prices, employment, the trade deficit, and international relations. Despite the intended protective measures, the data suggests that tariffs...

The Bank of Canada has cut interest rates, but not for the reasons you might think, says IG Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Strategist, Philip Petursson. Governor Macklem emphasized the recent strength of the Canadian economy and labour market, making it clear that the cut was a direct response to the tariffs imposed by President Trump. Philip explores the implications of this decision and th...

While the U.S.’s 25% tariffs will undoubtedly have negative impacts on both the U.S. and Canadian economies, it’s not all bad news, says IG Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Strategist, Philip Petursson. He discusses three key outcomes, including the opportunities to be had as tariff chaos knocks the markets. As Philip says, now is the time to be a hunter, not a sheep.

In a world of constant political and market uncertainty, IG Wealth Management’s Chief Investment Strategist, Philip Petursson, revisits the rules he developed during the global financial crisis to help investors navigate today’s volatile environment. From vanquishing fear and panic to understanding the economic landscape and keeping a long-term perspective, Philip provides practical advice to stay...