January 31, 2019
The fourth quarter of 2018 witnessed a dramatic correction across all markets with most stock indices experiencing near double-digit declines for the quarter. This was the first major annual correction in the decade-long expansion of the markets since the Great Financial Crisis in 2008. Global economic activity weakened in most regions except the U.S. Several […]
November 6, 2018
Global markets delivered mixed returns in the third quarter of 2018 with the U.S. market supported by strong economic growth outperforming other major markets. Canadian stock and bond markets and emerging market stocks all had negative returns for the quarter. Concerns still remain regarding synchronized central bank policy tightening, rising protectionism, trade disputes, high global […]
August 3, 2018
The second quarter of 2018 was very positive, although somewhat more volatile, for stock markets in Canada and the U.S. Strong economic performance, rising commodity prices, especially oil, low interest rates, tax cuts in the U.S. and strong growth in corporate earnings were all positives for the markets. In Canada, however, concerns still remain around […]
May 9, 2018
The first quarter of 2018 was marked by increased volatility and a number of factors, both positive and negative, that influenced investors’ perception of the markets going forward. During the first quarter there were 14 days when global stock markets moved by over 1% (i.e. up and down) compared to only three days in all […]
March 28, 2018
The global economy continued to improve in 2017 in both the developed and emerging markets. Economic activity and corporate earnings have both had positive results which led to very strong stock market returns in most countries. Low interest rates and accommodative monetary policy have all provided support for continued global economic expansion. In Canada, concerns […]
October 30, 2017
In 2017, the global economy continues to perform reasonably well so far in both developed and emerging markets. Economic activity and corporate earnings have both had improved results which has helped move stock markets higher. Central banks have been responding to the improved economic performance with the Bank of Canada raising interest rates twice in […]
August 1, 2017
So far, the global economy has generally been improving in 2017 with this growth broadening across more countries. A number of countries are now considering moving away from their historically low interest rates, which were put in place to encourage more economic growth. The Canadian economy continued to be fairly strong in the second quarter […]
May 23, 2017
Most foreign stock markets had a very strong first quarter in 2017 and witnessed very low price volatility. Trump’s pro-growth policies and somewhat more positive economic data were factors that helped support the rise in these markets. There are still many lingering uncertainties among investors including; the implementation of Trump’s policies, Brexit negotiations, European elections, […]
January 24, 2017
The equity markets had another strong quarter in the fourth quarter of 2016, reflecting more positive reports on potential improvements in many developed countries worldwide. The surprise election of Donald Trump also helped equity markets as many felt that his pro-business stance would be beneficial for the markets. The U.S. Federal Reserve increased interest rates […]
April 16, 2019
Faculty Pension Plan Update Newsletter – April 2019
Member Survey Results: Potential Fossil Fuel Free Balanced Fund option
February 21, 2019
Participate by March 10: Member survey on potential Fossil Fuel Free Balanced Fund option
February 5, 2019
Faculty Pension Plan Update Newsletter – February 2019
Register for the Pension Forum by May 3
Market Commentary – First Quarter 2019
May 21, 2019
After a very weak fourth quarter in 2018, the markets bounced back very strongly in the first quarter of 2019. Most stock markets experienced double-digit gains even though much of the economic data showed continuing weakness. Many central banks still expressed concerns around low economic growth prospects but this did little to deter the rise […]