Van Alphen Advisory Team - CIBC Private Wealth - CFP CIM

08/26/2026

Did you know economic and market performance can impact all aspects of your wealth plan from cash flow management to your investment strategy?
In the latest Weekly Market Roundup, our partners at CIBC Global Asset Management discuss recent economic data and how the markets reacted this week. If you’d like to discuss this commentary or have questions about your investment portfolio, please get in touch with me anytime.

Economic data While there was little primary economic data this week, President Trump and Treasury Secretary Bessent still managed to keep investors and markets on edge. First, it appears Canada and the US have reached a broad framework of a trade agreement.

08/23/2026

In this week’s Week Ahead, Avery Shenfeld argues that the U.S. midterms are unlikely to materially alter trade policy, given that much of the Trump agenda has been advanced through executive orders.

This helps explain why Canada has not seen the post-midterm period as a particularly promising window for tariff negotiations.

08/20/2026

Calm water reflects clearly 🏔️

Markets go up, markets go down, and headlines will always try to make you react. Our approach doesn't change with the news cycle: calm, clear, and built around your goals.

Visit woodgundyadvisors.cibc.com/web/robert-van-alphen to start a conversation.

08/19/2026

Did you know economic and market performance can impact all aspects of your wealth plan from cash flow management to your investment strategy?

In the latest Weekly Market Roundup, our partners at CIBC Global Asset Management discuss recent economic data and how the markets reacted this week. If you’d like to discuss this commentary or have questions about your investment portfolio, please get in touch with me anytime.

Economic data In the US, July inflation data broadly supported the case for a US Federal Reserve (Fed) pause at the next meeting. Consumer Price Index (CPI) came in largely as expected, with headline prices up just 0.

08/16/2026

In this week’s Week Ahead, Avery Shenfeld notes that despite the recent calm in markets, the outlook for the Persian Gulf and oil prices remains highly uncertain.

He argues that the current stability in crude should not be taken as reassurance, since prices could move lower if a deal is reached, or rise sharply if the standoff persists.

08/09/2026

In this week’s Week Ahead, Avery Shenfield highlights the surprising rebound in Canada’s export sector, with real export volumes reaching a new high in Q2 and helping support GDP growth.

While energy and some US-bound exports have led the recovery, ongoing tariff risks, weak manufacturing investment, and capacity constraints suggest the momentum may be difficult to sustain.

08/06/2026

Ever notice the Bank of Canada doesn't announce rate decisions every month? 🏦

August is one of the "quiet" months, with the next scheduled announcement not until September 2nd. Understanding the rhythm behind these decisions can help take the mystery out of the headlines.

Visit woodgundyadvisors.cibc.com/web/robert-van-alphen with any questions.

08/05/2026

Canada’s trade report for June was released yesterday, showing Canada’s economy ran a fourth straight trade surplus. Canada’s trade activity has held up relatively well in recent months, benefiting from higher oil prices.

Statistics Canada said that trade was also helped by the depreciation of the Canadian dollar in June, which lifted the value of exports and imports. Canada’s trade with countries outside of the US continues to show signs of improvement.

08/05/2026

The TSX has been touching record highs this summer 📈

Headlines like that can bring excitement, but also the temptation to react. A steady, long-term plan matters more than any single month's numbers.

Visit woodgundyadvisors.cibc.com/web/robert-van-alphen if you'd like to talk through what this means for your plan.

08/04/2026

We are through seven months of the year, with the S&P/TSX Composite Index delivering a double-digit gain. Global equity markets are also up, but it has not been a smooth rise up. Geopolitical and trade tensions, along with growing concerns about inflation and how that might impact central banks, have resulted in some periods of volatility.

Looking ahead, the same risks persist. This week in Canada, trade and the labour market will come into the spotlight, and global markets will give us several key economic announcements. Here’s what to watch for this week.