If not managed properly, stress can have an overwhelming effect on our bodies. Most of us know that stress isn’t good for us, but we may not understand just how deeply stress can affect us. Studies have shown that stress affects every aspect of our lives. Stress has a negative effect on memory, and chronic stress…
Earnings estimates have started to decline, but some sectors are doing far better than others. We also take a look at European trade dependence and how different commodities might perform in a slowing economy. Negative earnings revisions are just the beginning Forward earnings-per-share (EPS) consensus estimates for the S&P 500 Index likely peaked on July…
Often, it’s wise to trust our emotions, but something strange happens when it comes to investing. When markets soar, our emotions try to sway us to buy high, and when markets fall, our emotional response is to want to sell—the opposite of the “buy low, sell high” investment ideal. The chart shows the path of…
The Bank of Canada and US Federal Reserve hiked interest rates this year. Many hoped that this aggressive move would cool inflation. However, this did not prove to be the case. So why haven’t higher rates done enough to fight inflation, and what’s expected in the months to come? The Results of Aggressive Interest Rate…
Financial literacy month—November, in Canada— is just around the corner. We have reason to be proud: Canadian youth rank among the top in the world for financial literacy. Every three years, the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) conducts a survey among 15-year-old students in 20 countries. In the most recent results, Canada tied for…
When you think of how time helps you achieve investment objectives, the first thing that comes to mind may be compound growth. You make an investment, reinvest your returns year after year, and continue to earn returns on both your original contribution and all of the accumulated returns. Given enough time, the value of the…
We all like to learn about tips and tricks to get ahead financially, but not all of them are widely known. Here’s a collection of lesser-known wealth management strategies for everyone, from students to seniors. A win-win for critical illness insurance Did you know you can purchase critical illness insurance and get back all of…
When the markets are choppy, it’s easy to get distracted by each new wave of information. But rather than getting caught up in the storm we should be looking to the horizon for what’s coming next. In this update we will be moving away from the immediate challenges – which are unlikely to change in…
Risk tolerance can be described in several ways, but it often comes down to this question: How much of a decline in the value of your investments are you comfortable accepting in exchange for higher potential returns over the longer term? For most people, risk tolerance doesn’t change—at least not until retirement nears. However,…
The year to date has been a rough ride for investors. Markets are down, conflict has erupted, and Canada and the U.S. have entered a rising interest-rate environment. However, Jean-Francois Giroux, portfolio manager, Manulife Smart Short-Term Bond ETF (TERM), believes there is a glimmer of light in fixed income, with corporate bonds starting to provide some attractive…