IAIC Market Update - February 8, 2021

February 8, 2021

Last Week in the Markets: February 1st - 5th, 2021

(source: Bloomberg https://www.bloomberg.com/markets, MSCI https://www.msci.com/end-of-day-data-search and ARG Inc. analysis)

What happened last week?

Overall, it was a positive week for equity markets:
The major North American indices and the All-Country World Index (ACWI) were all in positive territory
The ACWI, TSX and the S&P 500 reached new all-time highs. The performance for last week pulled the indices out of negative territory for 2021 Year-to-Date (YTD), except the NASDAQ which was already positive for the year.
The advances were broad based, especially on the TSX and S&P 500 where every sector made positive contributions.
Most of last week’s success relied upon progress in Washington toward a stimulus package. The alignment of the House of Representatives, the Senate and the Presidency to Democrat-control has made passing resolutions and legislations easier.
In the U.S., employment growth slowed with only 49,000 jobs added in January. The unemployment rate is 6.3% with 10.1 million unemployed, well above their pre-pandemic levels in February 2020 (3.5% and 5.7 million, respectively). In Canada, employment fell by 213,000 in January pushing the unemployment rate to 9.4%, which is the highest rate since August 2020. (Source₁, Source₂)

What’s ahead for this week?

In Canada, corporate earnings season continues with many firms reporting their latest results as we approach a new federal government budget announcement.
In the U.S., stimulus legislation talks continue. Positive progress toward enacting legislation may cause markets to post further gains, if passed.

The latest details from the Canadian Federal Government on stimulus and economic assistance are available here.

The latest details of the current Canada’s Covid-19 Economic Response Plan are available here.

For more information contact:
Independent Accountants’ Investment Counsel Inc.
135 Main St. E. Listowel, ON
Phone: 519-291-2817 or TF: 1-877-291-3040
icpmss@iaic.ca

This report is produced by Independent Accountants' Investment Counsel Inc (“IAIC”) in conjunction with ARG Inc. All graph and chart statistical data contained in this report has been supplied by ARG Inc. The views and opinions expressed in this report are based on market statistics. No guarantee of outcome is implied and opinions may change without notice. Investors should not base any of their investment decisions solely on this report nor should any opinions expressed within this report be construed as a solicitation or offer to buy or sell any securities mentioned herein. Although the information contained in this report has been obtained from sources that IAIC believes to be reliable, we do not guarantee its accuracy, and as such, the information may be incomplete or condensed. All opinions, estimates and other information included in this report constitute our judgment as of the date hereof and are subject to change without notice.

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Southwestern Ontario's Top Employers Award

Southwestern Ontario's Top Employer Award Winner

February 5, 2025

We are th rilled to announce Ward & Uptigrove was selected as a recipient of the Southwestern Ontario's Top Employers Award for 2025. The award is based on the following criteria: 1. Workplace, 2. Work Atmosphere and Social, 3. Health, Financial and Family Benefits, 4. Vacation and Time-Off, 5. Employee Communications, 6. Performance Management, 7. Training and Skills Development, 8. and Community Involvement! Here are some of the reasons why Ward & Uptigrove was selected as one of Southwestern Ontario's Top Employers (2025): Ward & Uptigrove increased its full-time workforce in Canada by over 13 per cent in the past year and lets everyone benefit in the company's success with profit-sharing -- the company also offers generous referral bonuses of up to $5,000 per successful candidate as an incentive for employees to recruit friends Ward & Uptigrove hosts three major social events each year, giving employees the opportunity to unwind and connect with food, beverage and entertainment covered by the firm's partners -- events include a post-tax season party (employees plus a guest), a fall golf tournament, and an annual holiday celebration Ward & Uptigrove matches employee donations in kind, and encourages them to lend a helping hand in the community with a paid day off to volunteer Emily MacRobbie, human resources manager at Ward & Uptigrove, says clients appreciate the close connections and sense of care their small-town environment fosters. “We’re big enough to attract and retain some of the best and brightest minds in the industry, while simultaneously being small enough that staff and clients are known on a more personal level,” says MacRobbie. “Employees really appreciate the flexibility the firm offers, such as work location (in office or hybrid) and hours of work arrangements. We keep a pulse on what’s happening and make sure we remain competitive with things like paid time off and flexible health benefits.” To learn more about career opportunities at Ward & Uptigrove visit www.wardanduptigrove.com/careers