January 24, 2024

Central Banks, Fixed Income, and the Year Ahead

In our "Insights in 5" 2023 year-end update, IPC Private Wealth Portfolio Manager Simon Bowers looks back on the year and discusses what to look out for in the days ahead. 


Simon notes that as the prospects for a BIG R recession fade and inflation moderates, the biggest question for investors in 2024 is what’s next for high-interest rates?  While they were needed to curb inflation, the next step is for rates to move lower.  The question now becomes at what pace.


The probable case is that rates begin to moderate in the first half of 2024, with central banks recognizing that higher rates slow growth.  Simon feels that rate reductions will be done in a measured way, with central banks following the U.S.  Federal Reserve closely.


For more on Simon's outlook and his take on the fixed income and equity markets in 2024, please enjoy following three-minute video:


If you have concerns about your current investment plan, please give us a call. 

Disclaimers:

The views expressed in this commentary are those of Canada Life Investment Management as at the date of publication and are subject to change without notice. This commentary is presented only as a general source of information and is not intended as a solicitation to buy or sell specific investments, nor is it intended to provide tax or legal advice. Prospective investors should review the offering documents relating to any investment carefully before making an investment decision and should ask their advisor for advice based on their specific circumstances. The content of this material (including facts, views, opinions, recommendations, descriptions of or references to, products or securities) is not to be used or construed as investment advice, as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, or an endorsement, recommendation or sponsorship of any entity or security cited. Although we endeavour to ensure its accuracy and completeness, we assume no responsibility for any reliance upon it. 


This material may contain forward-looking information that reflects our or third-party current expectations or forecasts of future events. Forward-looking information is inherently subject to, among other things, risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed herein. These risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, without limitation, general economic, political and market factors, interest and foreign exchange rates, the volatility of equity and capital markets, business competition, technological change, changes in government regulations, changes in tax laws, unexpected judicial or regulatory proceedings and catastrophic events. Please consider these and other factors carefully and not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained herein is current only as ofJanuary 24, 2024. There should be no expectation that such information will in all circumstances be updated, supplemented or revised whether as a result of new information, changing circumstances, future events or otherwise.  Investment Planning Counsel Inc. is a fully integrated wealth management company. Counsel Portfolios are a family of funds managed by Canada Life Investment Management Ltd., a subsidiary of the Canada Life Assurance Company. Trademarks owned by Investment Planning Counsel Inc. and licensed to its subsidiary corporations. Mutual funds available through IPC Investment Corporation and IPC Securities Corporation.


The content of this video (including facts, views, opinions, recommendations, descriptions of or references to, products or securities) is not to be used or construed as investment advice, as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, or an endorsement, recommendation or sponsorship of any entity or security cited. Although we endeavour to ensure its accuracy and completeness, we assume no responsibility for any reliance upon it.