investment

2023 has been a strange year. It's been a year with a fairly strong Global Stock Market and a lot of good economic news, but with what seems like half the population feeling like the economy is bad! There's no doubt that high prices are part of this. Those hit people right in the wallet, so costs are likely playing a part in the pessimism out there. As you all know, I like looking at a lot of data and analyzing it. What I'm seeing, is a pretty healthy economy, especially in the world's largest one, the United States.

Although Canada is still struggling with lower oil prices and a major political scandal in Ottawa, the Toronto Stock Exchange continued to move upwards in April.

It's been a fantastic start to the year for many markets around the world and the TSX hit a record high on April 24th. With Interest Rates likely on hold in Canada and the United States, we're also seeing a much better climate for Bonds.

It's certainly been a major reversal from the rough end we had to 2018. Your quarterly statements will reflect this dramatic upwards momentum.

We had a wonderful Spring Break here in Calgary and had a lot of family time with the girls. We did a number of activities right here in Calgary including a fun day downtown. We met up with some friends and family and got in a few meals at local restaurants. On top of that, the weather was nice so we spent a lot of time outside. Vienna, Berlin & London had a great time!

With a few weeks to go before the year-end, you may wish to think about some moves you can take now to save you some taxes for 2016.

Along with the usual advice to do any tax loss selling before December 23rd on any equity investments to offset any capital gains earned in other investments during 2016, there are a few new tax planning strategies that you can take advantage of.

It is next to impossible to know when you might be impacted by a financial emergency; therefore, it is important to be prepared for something unforeseen in the future. Most people have heard the saying about saving money for a "rainy day". With the right forward planning, there is a great chance of being able to avoid a financial crisis should this present itself at a later date.

How much emergency funds are enough?

There are very passionate views on both sides of the debate as to whether it is better for individual investors to use active investment managers versus using an index approach, with its main selling feature being lower fees.

It’s Stampede time here in Calgary but the ride I’m referring to has more to do with the United Kingdom voting to leave the European Union than any amusement park! The last day of June saw an incredible panic as the big British Vote which many expected would favour a “stay” went the other direction.