IAIC Market Update - January 25, 2021

January 25, 2021

Last Week in the Markets: January 18th - 22nd, 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?

Joe Biden Jr officially became the 46^th President of the United States.
Biden signed nearly twenty Executive Orders; reversing many of his predecessor’s policies and signing new orders to combat the coronavirus by increasing the manufacturing of protective equipment, vaccines and testing, requiring masks on Federal property and during interstate travel, and identifying additional treatment options.
One of the executive orders revoked permission for the Keystone XL pipeline. President Obama’s decision to ban cross-border shipments via this pipeline was reversed by Trump, and then reversed again by the new President of the United States. The strength of this action based on its timing and lack of consultation with Premier Kenney or Prime Minister Trudeau suggests that there is little appetite for Biden and the US to negotiate this decision. (Source₁, Source₂)
The Bank of Canada made its latest interest rate announcement amid the continuing environment of historically low interest rates. The “effective lower bound” has described the overnight rate at ¼ of a percent. The possibility of a “micro cut” had been the subject of speculation ahead of the Bank’s decision to hold the rate unchanged. (Source₁, Source₂)

What’s ahead for this week?

In Canada, pandemic effects will be expressed in our economic activity as November’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is released. December’s building permits and raw materials price index is also scheduled for release.
In the U.S., the Federal Reserve will release its interest rate decision on Wednesday. A number of indicators from December are also scheduled including durable goods orders, personal income and spending, and new home sales.
On Monday the House of Representatives will be sending the Articles of Impeachment for Donald Trump to the Senate triggering a trial that is scheduled to begin on February 8^th. (Source)

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