Market Update
Here is a recap of the most recent stock market performance:
| Year | Canada | US | Europe | Emerging Markets | World |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Q1 | 1.38% | -4.51% | 6.38% | 2.73% | -2.57% |
| 2024 | 22.97% | 25.08% | 8.43% | 13.70% | 21.57% |
| 2023 | 13.31% | 27.10% | 15.04% | 10.29% | 23.75% |
| 2022 | -5.78% | -19.46% | -7.97% | -15.16% | -15.62% |
| 2021 | 25.79% | 26.97% | 23.32% | 0.14% | 24.71% |
| 2020 | 4.35% | 21.37% | -1.71% | 19.50% | 14.06% |
| 2019 | 22.00% | 31.64% | 24.57% | 18.51% | 28.07% |
| 2018 | -9.04% | -4.50% | -10.02% | -9.72% | -6.86% |
| 2017 | 9.22% | 21.90% | 13.72% | 31.00% | 19.13% |
| 2016 | 21.15% | 11.61% | 7.90% | 10.11% | 9.65% |
| 2015 | -8.36% | 1.32% | 5.45% | -5.40% | 2.65% |
| 2014 | 11.43% | 13.36% | 5.22% | 5.57% | 10.40% |
| 2013 | 13.58% | 32.61% | 22.26% | 3.79% | 29.57% |
Source: MSCI gross returns including dividends, all returns in local currency, to March 31, 2025
The first quarter of 2025 was largely dominated by dramatic headlines focusing on geopolitical tensions, economic shifts and market volatility. Markets around the world were all affected, though US markets were hurt the most. It might seem surprising, but Canada, Europe and Emerging Markets actually had positive returns in the first quarter.
April brought increased market volatility as the US marked “Liberation Day” and moved forward with many of its planned tariffs. While some of those tariffs have been reduced or delayed, tariff concerns remain top of mind for many countries including Canada, with policies still uncertain and changing frequently.
As April comes to a close, Canada has just voted in another Liberal minority government. It remains to be seen how much the various parties will work together going forward, but the uncertainty surrounding who might be the next Prime Minister is gone for now.
At times like these, it is especially important to remain diversified in our investment portfolios, while ensuring that we have provided for any cash flow needs in the short term. Many of my conversations with clients over the past few months have focused on exactly that; we have been reviewing any expected cash flow requirements and ensuring that those funds are set aside in high interest savings holdings and/or GICs.
This strategy is part of our regular approach for clients generating income, and it’s one of the many reasons we schedule regular meetings and work to stay up to date on each client’s situation.
Understanding your plans and updating your Financial Plan allows us to prepare & tailor your portfolio to provide the cash you need when you need it, regardless of market conditions at the time.
As always, thank you for the trust you put in our firm. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.
Sincerely,
Anne Hammond
BA CIM CFP CEA
Financial Advisor & Portfolio Manager
T 604 732 6551
Planning Team
Carly O’Connell, BA
Financial Planning Associate
Direct: 604-737-6752
[email protected]
Lorraine Watson
Executive Assistant
Direct: 604-737-6787
[email protected]
Anne Hammond is a Financial Advisor with RGF Integrated Wealth Management. The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of RGF Integrated Wealth Management, which makes no representations as to their completeness or accuracy.
© 2025 RGF Integrated Wealth Management. Ltd., RGF Wealth Management. Ltd., Member – Canadian Investor Protection Fund
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