Financial Concerns are Growing for Many Canadians
Economic uncertainty is a reality, so this is a good time to reevaluate your personal finances, writes Peter Watson. There are early warning symptoms that more Canadian borrowers are starting to struggle with their finances. It’s a combination of increased difficulty keeping up with mortgage and credit card payments. Plus, we are living in a […]
Government Spending Needs Better Management
Government spending should constantly evolve to reflect the needs of Canadians, writes Peter Watson. In conversations about government spending, it’s surprising how often I hear the same response. The government spends the way it does because that is the way it always has. You seldom hear that response when you’re talking about a business because […]
Tough Times Ahead for Homeowners
Homeowners face significant financial risks magnified by US tariffs, writes Peter Watson. The immediate financial risk facing many families is their home. For the last half century homeownership was the best investment many families made. Most often house prices appreciated and when they did not that unpleasant time was short-lived. It is no secret that […]
Will stock values plummet if we have a recession?
Understanding how stock markets work and how they have performed during recent sessions can educate investors about the potential stock value outcomes if we have a recession, writes Peter Watson. Will stock values plummet if we have a recession? That is a major question for many investors who worry that the current trade war with […]
The News Media Plays an Important Role in This Trump Era
More than ever, we need a strong news media, writes Peter Watson. President Donald Trump’s second term has gotten off to a rocky start. Canada, and all its component parts need to rise to the occasion to protect our economy, values and independence. The news media plays an important role. In any system, there must […]
Why investors should proceed with caution
Investors beware, this year will have many challenges, writes Peter Watson. The year is off to a rocky start. We have many challenges, and it is recommended that investors proceed with caution. President Donald is demanding trading partners, including Canada, pay a costly tariff to sell goods in the United States. Also, he has consistently […]
Understanding stock market returns
As investors, it is important to realize the “highs and lows” of the stock market. What’s interesting is that American stocks, as measured by the S&P 500 index, gained 25% in 2024. That was the first time in several decades there have been two back-to-back years with over 20% return. As an investor who owns […]
Trump’s Trade War Will Hurt Canadians
President Trump’s trade war against Canada could pose as a major financial risk, writes Peter Watson. Our former friendly ally to the south has attacked our financial stability. This is a fast-changing situation, but what is known is Trump wants to exert financial pain on Canadians by changing how trade between us operates. We cannot […]
Many Older People Need Better Financial Advice
Many older Canadians are not getting the proper financial advice, writes Peter Watson. The quality of the financial advice you get from your advisor is both understandable and concerning. Younger investors aged 18 to 34 are not happy with their financial advisor, according to a Vanguard study. Only just over one in three felt they […]
Investment Regulation Can be a Negative for Investors
In our modern-day world regulation and compliance issues seem to be everywhere. My observation of regulation is it continues to get more complex and more time-consuming. That is certainly true in the investment business. On a positive note, I agree there should be a high standard of conduct for people providing financial planning and investment […]
