Looking ahead to 2023, we’re feeling more optimistic towards both the equity and fixed income markets (we’re confident they’ll soon come out of their troughs). At the same time however, the probability of an economic recession in Canada and the United States is more likely. We also expect to see peaks in inflation, interest rates and economic activity.
The third quarter of 2022 continued to present the same challenges to investors as those we’ve seen all year. That is, higher inflation being dealt with by the central banks via higher interest rates.
Higher inflation, a hawkish pivot by central banks and increasing fears of a recession weighed on both equities and fixed income during the second quarter. Unfortunately, there was no reprieve from the volatility of the first quarter.
Anyone with a variable rate mortgage in Canada understands the impact of rising interest rates. A rate hike can either cause borrowers’ debt payments to climb or reduce the amount of principal their mortgage payments pay off. Interest rate rises are caused when the Bank of Canada decides to increase its overnight rate, which is a short-term interest rate that factors into lending costs. Depending on the economic circumstances, interest rates can rise substantially over a year.
What a difference three months can make. The first quarter of 2022 was a stark contrast to the way markets ended 2021. Many equity indices went through a correction, bond yields climbed sharply (meaning bond prices fell), while central banks began raising rates.
A vacation property—whether it’s a cottage in Muskoka or a chalet at Tremblant—is a valuable asset, not just in terms of the real estate, but also as a place that holds years of family memories. For many Canadians, passing the property to the next generation is a priority, but there are significant tax and non-tax-related considerations associated with keeping that cabin or condo in the family.
The recently announced Federal budget contains several measures that could affect your financial plans. We’ve provided key takeaways and a summary of the budget proposals.
A Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) is a great tool to build wealth for most Canadians while paying less tax. Although there are many benefits to investing in a TFSA, there can also be costly mistakes. This article outlines the eight most common pitfalls people encounter and how to avoid them.
64% of business owners want to transition their business in the next 10 years. However, 51% feel the next generation is not ready and 39% worry the next generation is uninterested. Whether you plan to keep your business in the family or sell to a third party, how can you ensure your business is ready for the sale?
Many Canadians designate a direct beneficiary on their RRSP, RRIF, TFSA or insurance policies without giving it a second thought (although in Quebec, beneficiary designations are only effective on insurance policies). However, designating a direct beneficiary is not recommended for many plan/policy owners, where they have non-traditional or unique family situations, as it can lead to unfavourable tax implications for beneficiaries.
Did you know that many Canadians are not adequately prepared to pass on or inherit family wealth? This is often due to a lack of communication and planning. The good news is that it’s never too early or too late to start. Planning helps you identify tax saving opportunities, mitigate potential financial gaps and maximize your current lifestyle.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, employers have embraced an environment where employees work from home. With the opportunity to work from home, some Canadians are taking the opportunity to work from anywhere. For some that means working from the cottage or working from a foreign location. Before you switch from working from home to a location of your choice, there are a few things that you should consider.