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You may cancel your subscription to the newsletter at any time by clicking on [unsubscribe](http://www.fastandfull.ca/hs/manage-preferences/unsubscribe-simple) or, by contacting The Empire Life Insurance Company or, Empire Life Investments Inc. **The Empire Life Insurance Company** 259 King Street East, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3A8, Canada Toll Free: 1 800 561-1268 Email: insurance@empire.ca or investment@empire.ca **Empire Life Investments Inc.** c/o 259 King Street East, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3A8, Canada Toll-free telephone: 1 855 823-6883 Email: mutualfund@empire.ca Close [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/Empire-Life-Insurance-142465432433812/) [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/empire-life-investments) [Twitter](https://twitter.com/empirelifeins) Subscribe [EN](https://www.empire.ca/blog) | [FR](https://empire.ca/fr/blogue) [![Empire Life | Empire Life Investments](https://blog.empirelife.ca/hubfs/Logo/Combined%20Blog%20Images/combined-logo.png)](https://www.empire.ca/blog) # Insurance, Investments and Group Benefits ## Navigate life with confidenceTM - Insurance - [Insurance](https://www.empire.ca/blog/topic/insurance) - [Helpful Tips](https://www.empire.ca/blog/topic/helpful-tips) - [Customer Service](https://www.empire.ca/blog/topic/customer-service) - Investments - [Investments](https://www.empire.ca/blog/topic/investments) - [Investment Views](https://www.empire.ca/blog/topic/investment-views) - [Off the Cuff](https://www.empire.ca/blog/topic/off-the-cuff) - [Group Benefits(1)](https://www.empire.ca/blog/topic/group-benefits) - [Personal Finance (1)](https://www.empire.ca/blog/topic/personal-finance) ## Empire Life Investments Empire Life Investments Placements Empire Vie ### Recent Posts ## [Has the market already had its recession?](https://blog.empirelife.ca/blog/has-the-market-already-had-its-recession) [Investment Views](https://www.empire.ca/blog/topic/investment-views), [Investments](https://www.empire.ca/blog/topic/investments) [![Has the market already had its recession?](https://blog.empirelife.ca/hubfs/GettyImages-933052786.jpg)](https://blog.empirelife.ca/blog/has-the-market-already-had-its-recession) By [Empire Life Investments](https://www.empire.ca/blog/author/empire-life-investments) Aug 18, 2026, 12:04:41 PM When people hear the word “recession,” they often picture one big market event: a sudden drop, scary headlines, and a clear turning point. But recent market history suggests the experience may have been more gradual. Think of it less like one storm hitting the whole neighbourhood at once, and more like bad weather moving street by street. Some areas were hit early, others later, and a few were still dealing with the cleanup well after the headlines had moved on. [Read More](https://blog.empirelife.ca/blog/has-the-market-already-had-its-recession) ## [2026 Semi-Annual Market Outlook: Fixed income](https://blog.empirelife.ca/blog/2026-semi-annual-market-outlook-fixed-income-overview) [Investment Views](https://www.empire.ca/blog/topic/investment-views), [Investments](https://www.empire.ca/blog/topic/investments) [![2026 Semi-Annual Market Outlook: Fixed income](https://blog.empirelife.ca/hubfs/GettyImages-1956949830.jpg)](https://blog.empirelife.ca/blog/2026-semi-annual-market-outlook-fixed-income-overview) By [Empire Life Investments](https://www.empire.ca/blog/author/empire-life-investments) Jul 3, 2026, 11:37:06 AM As we enter the latter half of the year, the Canadian economic outlook remains clouded as it slipped into a technical recession. Persistent domestic and U.S. headwinds continue to weigh on markets, while escalating geopolitical events, a significant increase in AI-related issuance and the potential for private credit risks to spill over have added a new layer of complexity to the forecast. Central banks are remaining data dependent, given the elevated level of uncertainty and will likely lean towards a more balanced policy stance in order to maintain flexibility.   [Read More](https://blog.empirelife.ca/blog/2026-semi-annual-market-outlook-fixed-income-overview) ## [2026 Semi-Annual Market Outlook: Global equities](https://blog.empirelife.ca/blog/2026-semi-annual-market-outlook-global-equities) [Investment Views](https://www.empire.ca/blog/topic/investment-views), [Investments](https://www.empire.ca/blog/topic/investments) [![2026 Semi-Annual Market Outlook: Global equities](https://blog.empirelife.ca/hubfs/GettyImages-1201905814.jpg)](https://blog.empirelife.ca/blog/2026-semi-annual-market-outlook-global-equities) By [Empire Life Investments](https://www.empire.ca/blog/author/empire-life-investments) Jul 2, 2026, 1:58:57 PM The first half of 2026 proved to be challenging as energy prices spiked following the war in Iran and subsequent de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This had a particular impact on Asian markets, which are the most reliant on oil and gas supplies that pass through the Strait. [Read More](https://blog.empirelife.ca/blog/2026-semi-annual-market-outlook-global-equities) ## [2026 Semi-Annual Market Outlook: U.S. equities](https://blog.empirelife.ca/blog/2026-semi-annual-market-outlook-u.s.-equities) [Investment Views](https://www.empire.ca/blog/topic/investment-views), [Investments](https://www.empire.ca/blog/topic/investments) [![2026 Semi-Annual Market Outlook: U.S. equities](https://blog.empirelife.ca/hubfs/GettyImages-92185329-1.jpg)](https://blog.empirelife.ca/blog/2026-semi-annual-market-outlook-u.s.-equities) By [Empire Life Investments](https://www.empire.ca/blog/author/empire-life-investments) Jun 30, 2026, 2:23:35 PM As we head into the second half of the year, the U.S. economy is navigating a complex landscape where “resilient growth” clashes with a sudden resurgence of inflation, driven in large part by the war in Iran. The impact of tariffs that were first introduced in April of last year has remained relatively muted. However, inflation has climbed to 4.2 % in May, up 0.4% from the prior month.1 This will lower the probability of a rate cut in the second half of the year. However, we expect individual tax refunds (including tax relief on overtime and tips), tax reform permitting the immediate expensing of capital spending and other regulatory reforms will work to offset some of the negative impacts of the war in Iran.  [Read More](https://blog.empirelife.ca/blog/2026-semi-annual-market-outlook-u.s.-equities) ## [2026 Semi-Annual Market Outlook: Canadian equities](https://blog.empirelife.ca/blog/2026-semi-annual-market-outlook-canadian-equities) [Investment Views](https://www.empire.ca/blog/topic/investment-views), [Investments](https://www.empire.ca/blog/topic/investments) [![2026 Semi-Annual Market Outlook: Canadian equities](https://blog.empirelife.ca/hubfs/GettyImages-1487111133.jpg)](https://blog.empirelife.ca/blog/2026-semi-annual-market-outlook-canadian-equities) By [Empire Life Investments](https://www.empire.ca/blog/author/empire-life-investments) Jun 29, 2026, 10:40:29 AM Uncertainty continues to hang over the Canadian economy as it slipped into a technical recession in the first quarter. Global market volatility remains high, driven largely by ongoing geopolitical tensions. These conflicts have caused energy prices to spike, which in turn has impacted both consumer behaviour and overall economic growth. Despite these unexpected escalations, we maintain a positive outlook on several key themes identified at the start of the year.  [Read More](https://blog.empirelife.ca/blog/2026-semi-annual-market-outlook-canadian-equities) ## [2026 Semi-Annual Market Outlook: Macroeconomic overview](https://blog.empirelife.ca/blog/2026-semi-annual-market-outlook-macroeconomic-overview) [Investment Views](https://www.empire.ca/blog/topic/investment-views), [Investments](https://www.empire.ca/blog/topic/investments) [![2026 Semi-Annual Market Outlook: Macroeconomic overview](https://blog.empirelife.ca/hubfs/GettyImages-621921512.jpg)](https://blog.empirelife.ca/blog/2026-semi-annual-market-outlook-macroeconomic-overview) By [Empire Life Investments](https://www.empire.ca/blog/author/empire-life-investments) Jun 26, 2026, 1:41:14 PM The investment landscape for the second half of 2026 is defined by a paradox: a world navigating the severe geopolitical shocks of the war in Iran while simultaneously witnessing an unprecedented acceleration in AI infrastructure and the commercialization of space. The de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz earlier this year has caused a spike in energy prices around the world, as many countries are already grappling with an affordability crisis. As we enter the second half of the year, these are some of the key themes we continue to monitor.  [Read More](https://blog.empirelife.ca/blog/2026-semi-annual-market-outlook-macroeconomic-overview) ## [2026 Semi-Annual Outlook: Navigating shocks and shifting markets](https://blog.empirelife.ca/blog/2026-semi-annual-outlook-navigating-shocks-and-shifting-markets) [Investment Views](https://www.empire.ca/blog/topic/investment-views), [Investments](https://www.empire.ca/blog/topic/investments) [![2026 Semi-Annual Outlook: Navigating shocks and shifting markets](https://blog.empirelife.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_images/INV-Blog-images/INV_A%20message%20from%20Paul%20Holba%20CIO%20-%20blog/Blog%20-PaulHolba-VideoMsg-banner-EN.png?width=807&quality=high)](https://blog.empirelife.ca/blog/2026-semi-annual-outlook-navigating-shocks-and-shifting-markets) By [Empire Life Investments](https://www.empire.ca/blog/author/empire-life-investments) Jun 25, 2026, 10:59:34 AM Join [Paul Holba](https://www.empire.ca/bios/paul-holba), President and CIO, Empire Life Investments Inc., as he analyzes shifting global markets in the second half of 2026, offering insights on inflation shocks, trade tensions, and active portfolio management. [Read More](https://blog.empirelife.ca/blog/2026-semi-annual-outlook-navigating-shocks-and-shifting-markets) ## [2026 Market Outlook: Macroeconomic Overview](https://blog.empirelife.ca/blog/2026-market-outlook-macroeconomic-overview) [Investment Views](https://www.empire.ca/blog/topic/investment-views), [Investments](https://www.empire.ca/blog/topic/investments) [![2026 Market Outlook: Macroeconomic Overview](https://blog.empirelife.ca/hubfs/GettyImages-2211202639.jpg)](https://blog.empirelife.ca/blog/2026-market-outlook-macroeconomic-overview) By [Empire Life Investments](https://www.empire.ca/blog/author/empire-life-investments) Dec 19, 2025, 12:53:03 PM 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. [Read More](https://blog.empirelife.ca/blog/2026-market-outlook-macroeconomic-overview) ## [Navigating markets in 2026](https://blog.empirelife.ca/blog/navigating-markets-in-2026) [Investment Views](https://www.empire.ca/blog/topic/investment-views), [Investments](https://www.empire.ca/blog/topic/investments) [![Navigating markets in 2026](https://blog.empirelife.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_images/INV-Blog-images/INV_A%20message%20from%20Paul%20Holba%20CIO%20-%20blog/Blog%20-PaulHolba-VideoMsg-banner-EN.png?width=807&quality=high)](https://blog.empirelife.ca/blog/navigating-markets-in-2026) By [Empire Life Investments](https://www.empire.ca/blog/author/empire-life-investments) Dec 17, 2025, 4:36:15 PM Join [Paul Holba](https://www.empire.ca/bios/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". [Read More](https://blog.empirelife.ca/blog/navigating-markets-in-2026) ## [2025 Semi-Annual Update with Paul Holba, President and CIO](https://blog.empirelife.ca/blog/2025-semi-annual-update-with-paul-holba-president-and-cio) [Investment Views](https://www.empire.ca/blog/topic/investment-views), [Investments](https://www.empire.ca/blog/topic/investments) [![2025 Semi-Annual Update with Paul Holba, President and CIO](https://blog.empirelife.ca/hubfs/Blog_images/INV-Blog-images/INV_A%20message%20from%20Paul%20Holba%20CIO%20-%20blog/Blog%20-PaulHolba-VideoMsg-banner2025-EN.png)](https://blog.empirelife.ca/blog/2025-semi-annual-update-with-paul-holba-president-and-cio) By [Empire Life Investments](https://www.empire.ca/blog/author/empire-life-investments) Jul 14, 2025, 2:55:02 PM [Paul Holba](https://www.empire.ca/bios/paul-holba-cfa), 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. [Read More](https://blog.empirelife.ca/blog/2025-semi-annual-update-with-paul-holba-president-and-cio) ![Get a quote and apply for life insurance](https://blog.empirelife.ca/hubfs/Logo/Combined%20Blog%20Images/GetAQuote-BlogButton-couple-EN.jpg) [BUY NOW](https://www.empire.ca/insurance/buy-life-insurance) ![Retirement Savings Tool](https://blog.empirelife.ca/hubfs/Blog_images/RST-Blog-EN.jpg) [Get Started](https://www.empire.ca/retirement-and-savings-tool) ### POPULAR POSTS ### CATEGORIES - [Insurance](https://www.empire.ca/blog/topic/insurance) - [Investments](https://www.empire.ca/blog/topic/investments) - [Group Benefits](https://www.empire.ca/blog/topic/group-benefits) - [Personal Finance](https://www.empire.ca/blog/topic/personal-finance) [Disclaimer](https://info.fastandfull.ca/disclaimer) [Legal](https://info.fastandfull.ca/legal) [Privacy Policy](https://info.fastandfull.ca/privacy-policy) [Accessibility](https://info.fastandfull.ca/accessibility) [Consumer Information](https://info.fastandfull.ca/consumer-information) [Contact Us](https://info.fastandfull.ca/contact) [Third-Party Tools and Sites](https://info.fastandfull.ca/third-party) [Confidentiality](https://info.fastandfull.ca/confidentiality) [Unsubscribe](https://info.fastandfull.ca/hs/manage-preferences/unsubscribe-simple) **CONTACT US** The Empire Life Insurance Company 259 King St. E. 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