Insights

Given stock markets’ erratic moves of late, it’s important to remember that volatility is normal. We look at how investors should think about portfolio allocations so that they can act as an anchor during periods of extreme volatility.

Amid the uncertainty swirling from the Middle East crisis, several forces are pushing and pulling on stock markets. Bouts of intense volatility are likely.

The Middle East conflict has thrust energy markets into crisis. While diplomatic overtures have offered a glimmer of de-escalation, military buildups and strikes persist. We look at evolving strife, market risks ahead, and lessons history offers.

Baby boomer, Gen X and millennial women are fundamentally changing how wealth is built, what it represents and how it can be used to create lasting impact.

The FOMC, BoC, BoE, ECB, RBA, and BoJ held policy meetings this week amid uncertainty caused by the Middle East crisis. While policymakers acknowledged that uncertainty, markets increasingly believe central banks may need to tighten policy rates.

The U.S. central bank wields a powerful hammer with its ability to move interest rates. Despite its strength, though, we think the central bank is poorly suited to address key concerns arising from high oil prices and the rollout of AI.

With the Middle East gripped in an acute crisis, it’s worth examining how prior military conflicts and significant geopolitical events impacted the U.S. stock market—and what history suggests for investors today.

Oil prices threaten $100+ per barrel while S&P 500 valuations face mounting pressure. RBC Capital Markets examines conflict duration scenarios, energy market disruptions, and equity implications.

While valuations remain a headwind, U.S. equity markets remain above key technical support levels with potential for another round of sector rotation developing heading into Q2.