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 […]
Will Trump Issues Cause a Stock Market Crash?
What we know from history is stock markets can be very volatile when the world is nervous, writes Peter Watson. There is potential for periods of nervousness ahead. Donald Trump, the former president, was recently found guilty on all 34 counts by 12 members of the jury. Immediately after receiving the verdict, he staged an […]
Government Debt is a Risk for Canadians
Government debt is a financial risk that affects us all, writes Peter Watson. Will the mountain of federal and provincial debt cause Canada to go into a financial tailspin? Let’s consider the facts. The recent federal budget projected a deficit of $40 billion. This will add to our debt which is already over $1 trillion. […]
Stock Markets are Shrinking
There are significantly less publicly traded shares available to individual investors, writes Peter Watson. Investors can purchase publicly traded shares of companies they wish to invest. This can be via a direct purchase or by owning a mutual fund that has acquired shares. Most portfolios have a strong allocation to stocks and therefore the declining […]
News can be confusing for investors
News can be very confusing, writes Peter Watson. We live in the modern age of 24 seven news streaming at us from our smart devices. That can cause a problem. The psychology of news or more importantly how people interpret news is based on our desire to hear the bad things of life. News that […]
The Shock of Higher Mortgage Payments Could be Just Around the Corner
Most homeowners face higher mortgage payments in the next two years, writes Peter Watson. Last year many homeowners escaped the burden of rising interest rates pushing their mortgage payments higher. That will soon change. Interest rate increases do not immediately affect all existing mortgages. For example, if you have a five-year mortgage at three per […]