January 10, 2024

Faith: The Key to Investing During Uncertain Times

Counsel’s Chief Investment Strategist Rana Chauhan provides his summary of 2023 and notes that 2024 will likely be a contentious election year in the U.S. as a political circus unfolds south of our border. 


In 2023, the markets experienced a mixed start, with positive news from Artificial Intelligence and falling inflation. 


However, negative news about bank failures, stubborn inflation, the Ukraine war, and a new conflict in the Middle East intervened which led to some tough months for investors. Despite these challenges, the S&P 500 managed to provide a healthy 24% return for the year. 

As an investor, however, Rana believes it will be crucial to maintain faith in the future by focusing on what matters most and tuning out the negative noise.

2024 Outlook

 Rana expects that 2024 will likely be a contentious and unpredictable election year in the U.S., with political parties and the press likely sowing confusion and uncertainty among investors. This uncertainty will likely create a sense of fear in the markets, which can be the primary cause of market volatility and investors questioning their investments.    As an investor, however, Rana believes it will be crucial to maintain faith in the future by focusing on what matters most and tuning out the negative noise. Investors will need to focus on companies creating products and services that we use daily and embrace the promise of Artificial Intelligence that marks a new innovation cycle, similar to how the internet led to the creation of new companies during the 2000s.


Maintaining faith in the future, the companies we invest in, the management teams that lead new developments, and the financial advisors who create financial plans for investors will be essential to successfully navigate the changing political landscape and the market volatility that is likely to emerge in the year ahead.


To manage through this tough period in the markets, Rana suggests the best course of action is sticking to the financial plan and to discuss any concerns you have with your Financial Advisor. 


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 10, 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.