IAIC Market Update - April 26, 2021

545(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 and global equities, the Canadian dollar, gold and oil all lost value last week. Results can be directly related to faltering success against the COVID-19 pandemic and increased fears of ongoing and increasing economic damage.

• The federal government released its first budget in two years that included $101.4 Billion in new spending to provide pandemic relief and position Canadians and businesses for future economic success. The budget deficit is projected at $354 Billion for the year ended March 31, 2021 and $155 Billion for the current fiscal year.
• The Bank of Canada (BoC) held its benchmark interest rate unchanged in its continued support for economic recovery. It has forecast Canadian Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth for the first quarter at 7%. Based largely on this high rate of growth, the BoC is planning to reduce its bond purchase program and has indicated that interest rates may increase sooner than earlier projections.
• In the US, the White House announced a proposal to increase taxes on capital gains that increased downward pressure on equities. It was counter-balanced by first quarter earnings reports that generally exceeded analysts’ expectations.
• The European Central Bank (ECB) kept its interest rates steady and indicated that bond purchases would be increased to support the collective Eurozone economy.
  

What’s ahead for this week?

• In Canada, February’s retail sales, employment reports and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) are scheduled for release, as are March’s industrial and materials price indices.
• In the U.S., durable goods orders and goods trade deficit, pending home sales and personal spending and income for March will be announced. On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve will release their latest monetary announcement and conduct a news conference featuring Chair, Jerome Powell. Later, on Wednesday evening, President Biden will deliver his first address to Joint Session of Congress (Senate and House members).