Market View

Canadian economy posted a record drop in the second quarter due to pandemic. Canada GDP month-over-month grew 6.5%, highest since 1961, vs 5.6% expected. US personal income rose 0.4% in July vs 0.2% drop expected. Fed’s Powell outlines a new policy approach suggesting an extended period of low interest rates. Consequently, both Canada’s and US's main stock index futures rose. The U.S. dollar slipped. The Canadian dollar was 76.18. U.S. S&P500 was up 2.9% this week and the TSX ended the week up 1.1%.

Financials rose 4.8% this week, helped by good quarters at all banks. Technology rose by 2.0%, and telecommunications by 1.4%. Energy and healthcare ended the week flat, while consumer staples declined 1.4%. The most heavily traded shares by volume were Air Canada, Baytex Energy, and Manulife Financial.

5 from 5i

Here are five reads we found interesting last week:

• Busting the myth that active funds do better in bear markets, by Ben Johnson on the Morningstar website
• Bridgewater is having a bad year. David McCormick has a plan, written by Kip McDaniel and Alicia McElhaney on Institutional Investor website
• Hedge fund fees, whether or not you make money, are truly shocking, published by Mark Hulbert of MarketWatch
• US REITs struggle after landlords faced the toughest ever quarter, written by Christine Idzelis on Institutional Investor
• Gold, Bitcoin, and markets, published by Jamie Catherwood on Investor Amnesia

Happy Reading & Stay Safe!

Thinking about becoming a 5i Research Member?  

There is no better time to join but don't just take our word for it. Try it for free for the next month and experience all the benefits of the 5i Research membership. (And don't worry. We won't ask for your credit card upfront)

Disclosure: Please note that the author does not hold a financial or other interest stocks or funds mentioned.