This year has been extremely difficult for global stock as markets have struggled with inflation fears, rising interest rates, the Russia-Ukraine War, and lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. In North America, every major index is negative on the year. The TSX is the breadwinner with a whopping -7.24% return YTD and the biggest loser being the NASDAQ at -27.32%.

The Federal Reserve announced its second rate hike of 2022 to increase the benchmark interest rate from 0.50% to 1.00%. This is the first 50 basis point hike since 2000 and the first time the central bank raised rates in back-to-back meetings since 2006.

You may have heard economists talking about the risk of “stagflation” following news the US economy shrank in the first quarter of 2022. But what is stagflation exactly and should you be worried?

Last week, Argentina’s congress approved a restructuring deal for $45 billion in debt owed to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Following two years of negotiations, President Alberto Fernández urged his parliament to approve the deal prior to a payment of $2.8 billion due on March 22. The agreement ultimately removes the threat of an imminent default on $19 billion of repayments due this year. The terms of the agreement require Argentina to gradually reduce the budget deficit over the next three years while curbing central bank money printing in exchange for a four-and-a-half-year grace period on IMF payments.

There was monetary news coming from both sides of the border this Wednesday as the Bank of Canada released their inflation numbers for February and the US Federal Reserve announced their first rate hike since 2018 at 0.25% setting the overnight rate at 0.50%.

Below is a breakdown of the specific consumer sectors which contribute to US inflation numbers:

With the news of Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine, the economic impact of the conflict has already been felt.

The political factors involved in Russia’s military action against its neighbouring nation are complex and date back to the Second World War. We recognize that this is not a simple situation that can be explained away from a financial perspective either. But with so much uncertainty, the focus that we have is the impact that this news will have on our clients. We do hope that all those involved and affected by these circumstances, whether Ukrainian, Russian, or otherwise will come to a swift and peaceful resolution.

North American markets saw one of their worst weeks post-pandemic from Jan. 17th to 21st and the bleeding has continued into this week with markets opening deep in the red on Monday. Investor’s sentiment is currently cautious/bearish due to the impending rate hikes from Central banks, Q4 earnings season, inflation numbers, and heightened tensions in Ukraine.

Due to the new COVID-19 variant, the markets have been put in a state of flux. Investing in blue-chips with dividends may seem obvious but it is reliable.

Argentina’s midterms legislative elections implications on The Blue Chip Swap spread.

How the recent floods in Abbotsford and Chilliwack are causing significant supply chain issues.

Some helpful reminders on tax-loss selling to close 2021

Bank of Canada will shift its quantitative easing program to a reinvestment phase.

Here's what you need to know about maximizing the value of your RESP.

Nearly 24 hours have passed since the final polls closed

Nearly 24 hours have passed since the final polls closed

As you are probably aware, Argentine currency controls are still presenting obstacles for businesses who need to send money into or out of the country. Global market volatility is making this need more urgent for most investors, who need to act decisively in these uncertain times.

Nearly 24 hours have passed since the final polls closed

Nearly 24 hours have passed since the final polls closed