Market View

U.S., Israel, and Iran agree to a 2-week ceasefire after President Trump’s threat to unleash a bombing campaign that could destroy Iranian civilization, but much remains unclear and some attacks continue. On the other hand, the U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by the most in nearly four years in March as the Iran war boosted oil prices and the persistent effect of tariffs persists, which reduces chances for an interest rate cut this year. The Canadian dollar was 72.28 cents USD. The U.S. S&P 500 ended the week up 3.5%, while the TSX was up 1.6%.

It was a mostly positive week for the market. Financials led the way, rising 4.0%, while materials and consumer discretionary gained 3.4% and 3.1%, respectively. Real estate and industrials also moved higher, up 2.0% and 1.8%. Information technology edged up 0.4%. On the downside, energy declined 3.0%, while consumer staples slipped 0.9%. The most heavily traded shares by volume were Royal Bank of Canada (RY), Canadian Natural Resources (CNQ), and Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS).

5 from 5i

Here are five reads we found interesting last week:

• When the Magnificent Seven Meet the Magnificent Few, by Morningstar.
• Eli Lilly Makes the World’s Bestselling Drug—Can It Keep the Party Going?, by Sherwood News.
• SpaceX IPO: How Index Funds Will Adapt, by Morningstar.
• The Down Years, by Ben Carlson of A Wealth of Common Sense.
• How Deals Hurt Returns, by Jonathan Clements of HumbleDollar.
  
  

Happy Reading & Stay Safe!

Disclosure: The analyst(s) responsible for this report do not have a financial or other interest in securities mentioned.