Rajit Khanna, CFP - Financial Advisor - Edward Jones

Some weeks are more consequential than others in shaping the market narrative, and last week was one of them. The Federal Reserve delivered on what markets have been hoping for and anxiously anticipating over the past two years. Interest rates were cut by a larger-than-typical 0.5%, signaling a critical turning point in the monetary policy cycle. We offer five key takes on what last week's announcement means for the economy and markets.

Weekly market wrap How did the markets perform this week? Get the highlights and the latest economic news.

Investors focused in on inflation data last week, with markets continuing to filter the balance of consumer price trends and economic readings through the lens of what it means for Fed interest rate moves ahead. Recent developments have produced flashes of market volatility lately, but this isn't necessarily the full image. In our latest Weekly Market Wrap, we zoom in on key items that were in the frame last week, and then zoom out for a better view of the bigger picture for the markets.

Weekly market wrap How did the markets perform this week? Get the highlights and the latest economic news.

After the soft jobs report, markets continued their risk-off positioning that began in the seasonally volatile month of September. In our view, the slowing labour market certainly adds risk to the economic outlook, but the figures thus far don't point to an imminent recession.

In this backdrop, we recommend leaning into market weakness and consider re-balancing portfolios, diversifying, or adding quality investments at better prices, especially as we believe economic growth could reaccelerate in the 12 to 18 months ahead.

Weekly market wrap How did the markets perform this week? Get the highlights and the latest economic news.

Two main benefits of ETFs are low cost and diversification which can make them an attractive asset class. However, you should consider your goals, risk tolerance, time horizon and how ETFs would complement your existing investments before purchasing. I can talk to you more about ETFs.

Do ETFs Have a Place in Your Portfolio? ETFs can be used as the building blocks of your portfolio or to diversify your portfolio.

A short-term market decline doesn’t change your long-term goals. I can guide you on your progress toward your goals and help you avoid making emotional investment decisions. We've highlighted three top mistakes we’ve seen investors make when they react emotionally to volatility. View them here.

3 emotional investing mistakes and how to avoid them Don't let emotions get in the way of your strategy.

The market action in August was like a blockbuster summer action movie – packed with suspense and unexpected twists, keeping investors on the edge of their seats, but ultimately wrapping up with a satisfying, upbeat finale.

Weekly market wrap How did the markets perform this week? Get the highlights and the latest economic news.

It’s often our own emotions and not market volatility or performance that is the biggest roadblock to achieving our financial goals. We've highlighted three top mistakes we’ve seen investors make when they let their emotions drive their decisions, and compiled some tips on how to avoid making the same errors. View them here.

3 emotional investing mistakes and how to avoid them Don't let emotions get in the way of your strategy.

Reacting emotionally to day-to-day market fluctuations can obscure your judgment. Try to stay focused and disciplined. Remember, a short-term decline or the latest doom and gloom media headline doesn’t change your personal financial goals. While market volatility is unpleasant, it is a normal part of investing. Contact me if you’d like to review your financial goals and portfolio.

3 emotional investing mistakes and how to avoid them Don't let emotions get in the way of your strategy.

Markets spent the week largely treading water, and while there were no major surprises, we do think the Federal Reserve's freshest commentary provided some takeaways that will be important for markets ahead. In our latest Weekly Market Wrap, we share three key takeaways for investors from the Fed's much-anticipated Jackson Hole event.

Weekly market wrap How did the markets perform this week? Get the highlights and the latest economic news.

In our recent study, Julie Petrera, Senior Strategist, reveals “high inflation and interest rates have made the past years financially challenging for many Canadians. Some are taking a wait-and-see approach while others are seeking investment opportunities in this economy. One contributing factor seems to be whether or not the individuals have goals, plans or work with an advisor. Unsurprisingly, the study showed those partnering with advisors are more optimistic about investing and their financial future.”

Further study results are summarized here.

Contact me so we can build a financial strategy that's right for you.

Survey: Optimistic about your finances? It may depend on where in Canada you live Edward Jones poll finds Canadians’ views split on current economic climate.

When the media hype the next “hot” stock or dramatic decline, it’s tempting to follow the crowd and chase the winners and sell the losers. But this can lead to buying at market peaks and selling at market lows. Instead, stay invested in a diversified portfolio designed to help you meet your personal financial goals.

3 emotional investing mistakes and how to avoid them Don't let emotions get in the way of your strategy.

Markets over the past week continued to recover from the previous week's sharp pullback. In our view, the backdrop of softer inflation and cooling but positive economic growth still points to a Fed that will likely begin cutting rates as soon as the September 18 FOMC meeting. More in our latest Weekly Market Wrap.

Weekly market wrap How did the markets perform this week? Get the highlights and the latest economic news.

Family meetings can serve as a platform for positive communication about financial and estate planning. This may lead to a clearer understanding between family members and better decision-making. We've compiled some tips to help you get the most out of your family meetings.

Family meetings: An empowering platform for family communication Every family in Canada has its own structure, shared circumstances, memories, conflicts, beliefs and values that shape how they work and communicate to get things done. Strong family communication can help address concerns about providing support for loved ones and help establish financial security....

Opting to reduce debt instead of investing might be a smart decision for your personal situation. But be aware, by not investing today you have less time for your money to grow. Inflation is another factor, as it erodes your purchasing power over time. Learn more about reducing debt vs. investing here. Contact me if you have questions.

Should I pay down debt or invest? The decision to pay down debt or invest is more about you as an individual than it is about the math. Your decision may depend on multiple factors

For any investors that were looking the 2024 gift horse in the mouth, last week showed some teeth. We don't think the recent pullback should be patently dismissed, but panic is not the proper reaction either. Our latest Weekly Market Wrap covers four key things to keep in mind.

Weekly market wrap How did the markets perform this week? Get the highlights and the latest economic news.

Broad-based ETFs can be used as the building blocks of your portfolio or you can incorporate ETFs of various investment styles to complement investments you already own, providing further diversification. Edward Jones has put together the essentials about ETFs. Learn more here. If you’d like to discuss ETFs further, please contact me.

Do ETFs Have a Place in Your Portfolio? ETFs can be used as the building blocks of your portfolio or to diversify your portfolio.

Too much debt is debt you can’t maintain based on your income. This varies from person to person. Two metrics used to calculate debt affordability are the gross debt service ratio (GDSR) and total debt service ratio (TDSR). Learn more about these ratios and see tips for paying down debt here. Reach out if you’d like to review this together.

Should I pay down debt or invest? The decision to pay down debt or invest is more about you as an individual than it is about the math. Your decision may depend on multiple factors

The typical summer lull was nowhere to be found in the markets last week. The final week of July was a whirlwind, filled with a flurry of earnings reports, three central bank meetings and key labour market data. We look through that noise at five key turning points that may define performance in the months and quarters ahead.

Weekly market wrap How did the markets perform this week? Get the highlights and the latest economic news.

In our latest Market Compass, our Senior Strategist, Mona Mahajan looks at market performance to date and outlines three key factors we’re watching for the rest of 2024.

To hear more, including from our Senior Strategist, Julie Petrera on how the Bank of Canada's recent policy rate cut could impact you, watch the full episode here.

Market Compass video series Market Compass helps keep you in the know about what's happening now and what we think may unfold over the next quarter. In this video series, our strategists focus on exploring economic events that matter to you, and offer tips you can use as you work toward your financial goals.

Paying down debt can help mitigate money-related stress. It can also improve your cash flow and financial flexibility as you’ll allocate less money to interest, leaving you more for other goals. I can help you determine which debt you should pay off first.

Should I pay down debt or invest? The decision to pay down debt or invest is more about you as an individual than it is about the math. Your decision may depend on multiple factors

Recently, our executive leadership team had the privilege of visiting the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, where they witnessed firsthand the remarkable progress fueled by The Terry Fox Foundation.

Seeing the groundbreaking work of the research labs reaffirmed our firm's unwavering commitment to supporting the fight against cancer. The dedication and innovation displayed by the medical staff and supporters left our team even more inspired. Together, we share Terry Fox's dream of a world without cancer.

And since 2021, Edward Jones has taken pride in honouring Terry's legacy by working to support cancer research.

In this week's update we review last week's market performance and take a look at what the week ahead could hold.

Weekly market wrap How did the markets perform this week? Get the highlights and the latest economic news.

As we kicked off 2024, one of our 10 key calls for the year was our view that while equity markets would continue to perform well, the market's underlying leadership would rotate, broadening out beyond 2023's Magnificent Seven concentration. We look at how this showed up within three key market matchups, and what it may mean for investors' portfolios.

Weekly market wrap How did the markets perform this week? Get the highlights and the latest economic news.

Check out our midyear review and outlook for the back half of 2024 in our latest Weekly Market Wrap.

Weekly market wrap How did the markets perform this week? Get the highlights and the latest economic news.

Want to know what happened in the market this past week and what's ahead check out our latest market update.

Weekly market wrap How did the markets perform this week? Get the highlights and the latest economic news.

With the first half of 2024 now in the books, our latest Weekly Market Wrap takes a look at a few notable winners and losers in the markets. Check out our views on what that performance means for the remainder of the year.

Weekly market wrap How did the markets perform this week? Get the highlights and the latest economic news.

The consumer has been the linchpin of economic growth over the past three years, driving strong momentum in the U.S. and resilience in Canada. The BoC has cautiously started to cut rates and the Fed is currently on pause, but the effects of previous tightening are still filtering through the economy, and signs of consumer fatigue are beginning to emerge. In our latest Weekly Market Wrap, we explore the current state of the consumer, the outlook for spending and the implications for both the economy and the markets.

Weekly market wrap How did the markets perform this week? Get the highlights and the latest economic news.

The June FOMC meeting and U.S. inflation data were front and centre last week, with both offering some positive news for the bulls. Our Weekly Market Wrap highlights potential market opportunities ahead.

Weekly market wrap How did the markets perform this week? Get the highlights and the latest economic news.

Check out our weekly market update for news on last week's market and guidance for the week ahead.