We maintain a positive view of fixed income as it appears rates have peaked, growth trajectories are slowing (making less risky assets relatively more appealing), and yields are starting the year at an attractive level. We believe this could cause the yield curve to re-steepen and lead to less inverted, or even positive, sloping curves.
Economic growth is expected to continue to slow in 2024. Higher interest rates are anticipated to weigh more heavily on Canadian consumers and overall economic activity in 2024. Higher rates have had a disproportionately negative impact on Canadians due to higher consumer debt levels and shorter duration mortgages compared to the U.S. Unemployment is also expected to continue to increase at a slightly higher pace compared to 2023.
As we begin the new year, we have a slightly negative outlook on Europe, slight optimism on China and a continued positive view of Japan.
Last year was a volatile year in U.S. equity markets. In March, the failure of Silicon Valley Bank, a prominent lender in the tech industry with $210 billion in assets, was the first of a series of regional bank failures that later included Signature Bank, Credit Suisse and First Republic Bank. This led to fears of a broader banking crisis, although it was ultimately contained.
As we begin the new year, we’re reflecting on some of the key themes that impacted the markets in 2023. This includes everything from interest rates and inflation to geopolitical events and generative artificial intelligence (AI). We expect that many of these themes will continue to influence markets in 2024, and we’ll continue to monitor them for risks and opportunities as they may arise.
Updated February 2024
Do you ever wish you could talk to your younger self about lessons you've learned, more than a few of them the hard way? There are the mishaps you could have avoided, the errors in judgement you could have missed and the regrets you wouldn't hold. How much better would you feel now if you could turn the clock back? And that includes the extra money you would have to fund the better lifestyle you could look forward to in the decades ahead. Let's consider some financial tips.
From regional bank failures to unresolved geopolitical tensions to explosive growth in artificial intelligence. We have seen it all in 2023, and there are still many questions investors face as we head into the new year.
Paul Holba, SVP and CIO, Empire Life Investments Inc. breaks down some of the key themes that we expect will impact the markets in the coming year, such as potential rate cuts, unresolved geopolitical tensions and considerations when it comes to big tech and AI.
Updated January 2024
The things you need to do to build your finances which can support your wants and goals are simple. Sometimes doing them isn't so simple. For most people, this becomes a matter of choice. Practice makes it easier. Here are some tips to build lifestyle success for your future you.
Updated January 2024
Gaeten and Mirielle are a middle aged couple who met through friends. They have been together for almost 5 years. Gaeten is divorced with one adult child. Mirielle, a widow, has two children of her own. The couple do want to take care of each should either one predecease the other. They both wish to have at least some of their own investments pass on to their respective children.
