Fed Holds Rates, Flags Rising Uncertainty 

The Federal Reserve kept rates unchanged but struck a more cautious tone.   A Pause Amid Uncertainty   Job Market Stays Strong, But Economic Uncertainty Tempers Expectations for Quick Changes   As expected by markets, the Federal Reserve kept its benchmark interest rate steady at 4.25%–4.5%, a level it has maintained since December. While the labor market remains […]

Strategy and diversification: The value of alternative assets

Discover how alternative assets strengthen portfolios in uncertain times.  The strategic role of alternative investments  In an increasingly dynamic economic environment, relying solely on traditional stocks and bonds can leave portfolios more exposed to concentration risk and market sensitivity. Alternative assets open opportunities to diversify, hedge against inflation, and enhance long-term resilience.  How each asset […]

Market volatility in perspective: 5 ideas to stay on course

Key insights to stay focused and invest strategically in a changing environment. Market volatility in perspective: 5 key ideas The recent 90-day tariff pause has not eliminated uncertainty in the markets. While ups and downs continue, history reminds us that volatility is often temporary and that markets have a remarkable capacity to recover. Here are […]

Good news: Inflation drops more than expected 

Inflation slowed in March and is moving closer to the Federal Reserve’s target.  Key highlights from the report:  The Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) fell 0.1% in March, marking a positive shift compared to the 0.2% increase in February. This decline reinforces the trend toward more controlled inflation amid a still-challenging monetary policy environment.  The report […]

Earnings Season: Resilient Growth Amid Adjustments

S&P 500 earnings rise amid uncertainty. Key points from Q1 2025 earnings season  By the end of Q1 2025, analysts have adjusted their earnings expectations. Although the estimated growth has dropped to 7.3% year-over-year from 11.7% at the end of December, the S&P 500 is still on track for its seventh consecutive quarter of expansion. […]

Understanding Market Corrections – What You Need to Know

A straightforward look at how market corrections happen, what causes them, and how to stay on track when they do.  Making Sense of Market Corrections  A market correction is a drop of about 10% to 20% from a recent high—and they’re more common than many realize. Historically, the S&P 500 experiences a correction every 18 […]

Rate Cuts in Sight: The Fed Adjusts Economic Forecasts

The Fed keeps rates at 4.25%-4.5% but revises growth and inflation projections. March Monetary Policy Announcement   The Federal Reserve decided to keep its benchmark rate at 4.25%-4.5%, in line with expectations. However, its message was more cautious, as it lowered its growth forecast and raised its inflation estimate for 2025.  Key Points:  Markets will closely […]

Key Takeaways from Warren Buffett’s 2024 letter 

Buffett highlights Berkshire’s performance, liquidity strategy, and growth in Japan. Warren Buffett’s highly anticipated annual letter is here, and as always, there’s plenty to analyze. In 2024, Berkshire Hathaway reported an operating profit of US$47 billion, a 27% increase despite more than half of its businesses experiencing a decline in earnings.  Buffett expressed optimism about […]

What are tariffs and how do they work?

Tariffs are on investors’ radar due to their impact on the economy and markets. Now more than ever, tariffs are a key topic in the global economy. Not only do they affect inflation and corporate profitability, but they have also become tools for political negotiation.   Since his campaign and now in his administration, Donald Trump […]

Key points on the Q4 2024 earnings season

The performance during the season has been encouraging, with corporate profits exceeding expectations. With more than 75% of S&P 500 companies having reported their results, earnings grew 11% year-over-year, surpassing expectations and marking the fastest pace in three years. Key data: • 76% of companies beat estimates, with an aggregate growth of 7%. • Excluding […]