Monthly market snapshot

Monthly Overview. Overall, Canadian and U.S. equities were strong in May, helped by solid corporate earnings and improved investor sentiment as geopolitical tensions began to ease. First-quarter earnings came in well above expectations, helping to reinforce confidence in future growth. This strength was driven by continued investment in artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure, which remain key themes across the information technology and communication services sectors.

Monthly Overview.  April marked a sharp reversal from March’s risk-off environment, with equity markets posting a strong rebound despite a challenging geopolitical and macroeconomic backdrop. Oil prices remained volatile amid ongoing Middle East uncertainty, but did not derail the market rally.  

Monthly Overview. March proved to be a notable turning point for global markets. Early optimism gave way to heightened volatility, with geopolitical risks overtaking economic fundamentals as the key market driver. A sharp escalation in the U.S.–Iran conflict forced investors to quickly reassess risk. Rising energy prices revived near term inflation concerns, pushed Treasury yields higher and sparked a broad selloff across risk assets.

Monthly Overview.  Equity markets were mixed in February amid growing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which heightened concerns about possible disruptions to global oil supply routes. Canada’s main stock index rose, primarily fueled by gains in the energy and materials sectors. Significant exposure to commodities allowed the Canadian market to outperform despite rising global volatility towards the end of the month.