IAIC Market Update - November 29, 2021

November 29, 2021

Last Week in the Markets: November 22nd - 26th, 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?

North American equity indices dropped more than 2% on Friday and drove the grid above to another pandemic-related “all red” week due to fears that renewed domestic restrictions and lockdowns, as well as curtailing the movement of people, raw materials and finished goods could damage the pace of economic recovery. Global equities represented by MSCI’s All Country World Index (ACWI) was down almost 3% for the week. The price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) oil fell by more than $10/barrel and more than 13% on Friday. Gold held steady on Friday, gaining $1.20 per ounce, which demonstrated its value as a ‘safe haven’, at least for a day.
These one-day losses (except for gold) followed the observance of Thanksgiving across the U.S. and continued the tradition of a light trading day with volumes down more than 20% compared with the previous Friday. This would have been the second consecutive “all red” week had S&P 500 lost value last week. Two consecutive weeks where all our indicators have lost value has not happened in 2021 and not since the darkest days of the pandemic.
Despite the recent setbacks equity indices in North America are up 14-22% in 2021 and 17-28% from a year ago.

What’s ahead for this week?

In Canada, building permits, industrial product and raw materials price indexes for October will be released. November’s employment report is scheduled along with real GDP for the third quarter.
In the U.S., October’s pending home sales, construction spending, factory orders, wage rate and the employment report for November will be announced.
Globally, Germany and the Eurozone will announce their latest data on employment, inflation and consumer confidence. OPEC+ will conduct another meeting in response to the recent variant news from Africa and the release of strategic oil reserves by several governments to lower the price of oil to soften inflation.

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