"The stock market is a device for transferring money from the impatient to the patient." – Warren Buffett
Last Week’s Overview
| Index | Performance |
| TSX Composite | 2.82% |
| Dow Jones |
1.85% |
| S&P 500 | -0.27% |
| NASDAQ | -1.77% |
Source: Bloomberg (October 15, 2026)
Weekly Insights
Each week, we break down the key events and market movements shaping the investing landscape. From economic data to investor sentiment and global headlines, this section captures what mattered most, and how it impacted markets.
Stock Market Gains Spread Beyond Big Tech
Most companies in the S&P 500 moved higher on Thursday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average up 1.1% and the S&P 500 up 0.1%, even as chip stocks took a breather and the Nasdaq 100 slipped 0.6%. This tells us investors aren't leaving the market; they're spreading their money across a wider range of businesses with steady earnings and fair prices. A broader market is a healthier market, and it rewards the diversified, quality-focused approach we use in our portfolios.
Source: Bloomberg (October 15, 2026)
Higher Bond Yields Mean More Income for Investors
The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield sits near 5.10%, well above its average of about 3.13% over the past six years, with two-year and 30-year yields near 4.80% and 5.42%. In plain terms, high-quality government bonds are paying investors more income today than they have for most of the past decade. This gives bonds a bigger role in portfolios, offering steady income, a cushion when stocks are bumpy, and room for price gains if rates ease over time
Source: Bloomberg (October 15, 2026)
Big Banks Post Record Lending Results
JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, and Wells Fargo earned a combined $56.5 billion from lending in the third quarter, their fifth record quarter in a row. Busy trading desks added to the strength, and JPMorgan expects its lending income to grow again in 2027. Strong bank results show that households and businesses are still borrowing and spending, a healthy sign for the economy and a reminder that opportunity extends well beyond technology.
Source: Bloomberg (October 15, 2026)
Key Drivers of Our Outperformance
We believe in transparency when it comes to where outperformance is coming from. This section spotlights a top-performing company we hold, a sector where we've taken a winning position, and a strategy that has driven recent success across our portfolios.
- Company Highlight: Accenture (ACN)
- Accenture was our standout performer last week, rising 9.32% as investors recognized its role in helping large companies modernize with cloud technology and artificial intelligence. When businesses want to put new technology to work, Accenture is often the partner they call, and that steady demand has helped lift its earnings 40.8%. Even with that strong track record, its shares remain reasonably priced, a combination of quality and value we look for in every holding.
- Source: Optimize Asset Management (October 15, 2026)
- Sector Highlight: Energy
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Energy was our strongest sector last week, with Exxon Mobil up 7.90%, Chevron up 8.23%, and ConocoPhillips up 9.63%. These established producers generate substantial cash and have the scale to operate efficiently through changing market conditions. Their strength helped balance a softer week for technology, a clear example of why we spread our portfolios across different parts of the economy.
- Source: Optimize Asset Management (October 15, 2026)
- Style Highlight: Quality
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Our Quality strategy delivered the strongest results of any investment style last week, led by Coca-Cola (up 6.94%), Dollarama (up 6.79%), and Visa (up 5.19%). Quality companies have trusted brands, healthy balance sheets and dependable profits, which helps them hold up well when markets shift. As investors look for steadier ground, these businesses continue to earn their place at the core of our portfolios.
Source: Optimize Asset Management (October 15, 2026)
What To Look For Next Week
We also look ahead to the economic reports, events, and earnings that may influence the week ahead. From inflation and jobs data to corporate updates from key market players, this section keeps you informed on what's coming and why it matters.
- Canadian Inflation Report (Monday, October 19): Monday's report shows how quickly prices are rising for Canadian households. In the last reading, inflation held steady at 3.0%, grocery price growth eased to 2.8%, and the core measures the Bank of Canada watches most closely stayed near its 2% target at 1.9% and 2.0%. Inflation that stays close to target gives the Bank of Canada more flexibility on interest rates, a positive for both stocks and bonds.
Source: Statistics Canada (October 15, 2026)- Bank of Canada Survey of Consumer Expectations (Monday, October 19): Monday's survey shows how Canadians feel about prices, jobs and their own finances in the months ahead. At its September decision, the Bank of Canada held its key interest rate steady at 2.25%, noting a broad recovery in the Canadian economy in the second quarter and underlying inflation holding at its target. How confident Canadians feel about the future shapes how much they spend, which helps guide the Bank's next steps on rates and influences both Canadian stocks and bonds.
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Source: Bank of Canada (October 15, 2026) - U.S. Housing Starts (Tuesday, October 20): Tuesday's report counts how many new homes U.S. builders started last month. The last reading showed total starts eased 2.6% to an annual pace of 1.275 million, but single-family home construction rose a solid 7.6%, a sign of steady demand from families buying homes. Housing supports jobs and spending across many industries, so builder activity is an early signal of where the economy is heading.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (October 15, 2026)- U.S. Weekly Jobless Claims (Thursday, October 22): Thursday's report shows how many Americans filed for unemployment benefits in the past week. The last reading came in at 199,000 new claims, slightly better than expected, while ongoing claims fell to 1.71 million, close to their lowest level in over three years. A strong job market keeps people earning and spending, which supports company profits and the stock market.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor (October 15, 2026)
Source of Market Data: Bloomberg
Disclaimer: This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Please consult with your financial advisor before making any investment decisions.