Market Insights The first half of the year had a little of everything. We have all come to expect the unexpected under President Trump but the events that have unfolded caught even the most cynical off guard. Heading into 2026, one of the consensus calls was that the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) would cut […]
Market Insights The month of May felt an awful lot like April, and it’s not just the weather. April was a positive month that saw equity markets recover most, if not all, of the March losses stemming from the US-Iran war concerns. Turning the calendar over to May, many market observers were calling for more […]
The Pender Alternative Special Situations Fund returned 1.1%1 in May, compared to the S&P/TSX Composite, which rose 2.5% during the month. Like most months this year, May brought heightened volatility driven by inflation concerns and geopolitical uncertainty. Heading into the month, there were concerns that equity markets were due for a pause. However, once again […]
Market Insights The equity market rally that closed out the month of March continued through April. This rally has baffled many and is becoming a notable example of what is referred to as the ‘pain trade’. Given recent headlines, many investors had gone defensive. Yet against all odds markets finished the month near all-time highs. […]
Market Insights For the last year global equity markets have largely done a good job of overlooking adversity. From trade wars to AI disruption, stocks have been able to climb the proverbial ‘wall of worry’ to record levels. However, as tensions with Iran evolved into a full-on conflict, it became too much to ignore and markets fell. March […]
Market Insights February might be remembered as the month the dreams of AI started to turn into a nightmare. After a few years in which just mentioning AI in a press release would get you a multiple boost, that suddenly flipped. Fears of AI disrupting business models and destroying jobs across the entire economy took over. […]
Market Insights Many consider the month of January as a good leading indicator of how the year will play out. Well, if this year is going to follow that pattern, we had better all buckle up, as it could be quite the ride. January finished with a whimper as markets fell on the last trading […]
Market Insights Momentum is a wonderful thing, and that was seen in abundance in 2025, with global equity markets experiencing their third straight year of strong performance. Of course it wasn’t all smooth sailing, as we now know that nothing with the current leadership in Washington will be easy. That was made abundantly clear in […]
Market Insights To say 2025 has been an odd year is an understatement. After a series of years with strong returns, everyone began January with muted expectations. Valuations were high and the prospects for earnings growth were low. However, optimists were quick to remind you that President Trump in his first term would often use […]
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