Annual update discusses potential headwinds for the Canadian and U.S. economies in 2026 as well as projections for corporate bond spreads in the new year, and how AI spending will continue to impact the debt markets.
Annual update discusses potential headwinds for the Canadian and U.S. economies in 2026 as well as projections for corporate bond spreads in the new year, and how AI spending will continue to impact the debt markets.
Although tariff uncertainty still exists, we recognize some pockets of growth and resilience in global equities. We will continue to monitor tariffs and geopolitical developments, however, there are some emerging global themes that leave us feeling encouraged.
As we head into the new year, tariff and trade uncertainty remain a key issue. There has been some real progress through 2025, but an agreement has remained elusive between the U.S. and some of its key trading partners (such as Canada and Mexico), and we have seen flareups and cool-downs in trade tensions with China.
Uncertainty around tariffs remains a sticking point for the Canadian economy as 2025 comes to an end. The banking sector has maintained resilience as we close out the year, and gold has continued to rally. The S&P/TSX was one of the strongest indices in the developed market, up nearly 30%1, with sectors such as Materials, and Financials leading the way.
2025 was a year of transition characterized by both global uncertainty and resilience. Ongoing geopolitical conflicts and trade tensions drove market volatility throughout the year, and we expect these uncertainties to carry over into the new year. However, there are a number of emerging themes that leave us feeling encouraged.
As we turn the page to 2026, our focus remains on navigating challenges and uncovering opportunities that drive long-term growth.
Here are some of the global themes we believe will impact markets in the new year.
Join Paul Holba, President and CIO, Empire Life Investments Inc., as he navigates the 2026 market outlook where geopolitical volatility and persistent inflation persist, while AI drives growth, and key themes emerge across fixed Income, equities, and the rise of "Global Champions".
Investments, Personal Finance, Registered Disability Savings Plan, RDSP
Planning for long-term financial security can feel daunting. But for Canadians with disabilities, and their families, there’s a powerful savings tool designed to help you reach your financial goals. It’s called a Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP).
Nearly two in three eligible Canadians have not yet opened an RDSP.1 This means they’re missing out on valuable government benefits that can make a huge difference for the future.
Paul Holba, President and CIO of Empire Life Investments Inc. discusses some of the key themes the investment team will monitor as we head into the second half of 2025.
Jérémie Clarke, Regional Vice President, Distribution, Quebec & Atlantic, Group Solutions discusses the importance of sleep, the group benefits that can help plan members improve the quality of their rest, and why he thinks his boss, Christine Wyatt, may be a mutant
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