IAIC Market Update - October 12, 2021

October 12, 2021

Last Week in the Markets: October 4th - 8th, 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?

157,000 jobs were added in Canada last month, exceeding the expectations of analysts. The unemployment rate fell to 6.9%, the lowest level since the pandemic began in March of 2020. Companies are still looking to hire more workers and 400,000 people have not rejoined the workforce. (Source)
In the U.S. 194,000 jobs were added in September, which is the lowest monthly increase in 2021 and well below the estimated number of new jobs for the month. Unemployment is down to 4.8%, the lowest level since the pandemic began. As workers delay their return-to-work, wages have increased nearly 5% since 2020. (Source)
The disappointing results in the U.S. job market may delay the Federal Reserve’s move to taper its bond-buying program. Despite the mixed news for jobs, the anticipation of the Fed’s response moved equity markets upward last week.
Increasing energy prices did not weigh down equity markets. The price of oil increased an additional 5% last week and has nearly doubled in the past year. It is now at its highest level in 7 years. Economic output is being negatively affected in China and Europe as energy shortages are occurring widely. OPEC+ agreed to increase output in an effort to reign in prices, increase their revenues and allow recovery to continue. (Source)

What’s ahead for this week?

In Canada, markets were closed on Monday for Thanksgiving. Reports being released tis week include August’s manufacturing sales, industrial production, wholesale trade, and September’s existing home sales on the schedule.
In the U.S., bond markets were closed on Monday for Columbus Day. Inflation for September via the Consumer Price Index (CPI), U.S. Federal Reserve minutes from Sept 21-22, retail sales, import prices and business inventories are scheduled for release this week.
Globally, China’s trade surplus, CPI, Germany’s CPI, Eurozone and Japan’s industrial production are on the calendar.

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