Investing | Crawford • Ashwood Financial

Recent escalation between the United States and Iran has led to some short-term market volatility, largely driven by uncertainty and rising oil prices tied to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. While the headlines feel significant, this type of market reaction is very typical. In past events such as the Gulf War, 9/11, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, markets have gone through a period of short term volatility before settling as more clarity emerges. We have already seen some very strong rally days mixed in with the volatility. To make sure you benefit from those positive days, staying invested is…

Going through a separation or divorce is one of the most emotional and disruptive experiences one can face. Even when it’s mutual or amicable, it brings a mix of grief, relief, uncertainty, and very often, financial anxiety. After supporting many clients through this transition, I’ve learned that people don’t just need information; they need reassurance, clarity, and a path forward. If you’re navigating this chapter, here are some general things to consider to help you rebuild confidence and move toward long-term financial success. 1. Give Yourself Space to Breathe First It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed. Before you jump into…

As we enjoy the warm days of summer, I wanted to take a moment to share a market update and insights that are top of mind. The first half of 2025 experienced its share of ups and downs, with notable short-term volatility during late March and April. This turbulence was largely driven by President Trump’s policies, causing uncertainty and fluctuations across global markets. Many investors might have felt the urge to react to this geopolitical news, but those who stayed the course have benefited from patience. Since then, we’ve seen a remarkable recovery, with some markets now reaching all-time highs.…

In today’s challenging times marked by geopolitical tensions and fluctuating market conditions, I’d like to emphasize the importance of staying the course and not reacting impulsively to short-term news. The current uncertainties surrounding tariffs and trade wars can provoke anxiety but remember that patience and discipline are essential for long-term investment success. For many of my clients who rely on regular income from their portfolios, maintaining a “cash wedge” or “income wedge” can be a practical strategy. In short, this approach sets aside a portion of assets in cash and/or GICs to secure an individual’s income needs for a period…

Well, he’s done it again. Personal feelings about the outcome aside, today’s blog post will objectively examine the business implications of the win and the opportunities it presents. Political events can often stir strong emotions, but as an advisor, my role is to help clients focus on the tangible impacts these results can have on the economy and investment landscape. Post-Election Market Rally: What It Means for Investors As Canada and the world continue to react to Donald Trump’s recent election win, the stock markets have witnessed an upswing. For many, this moment offers a vital opportunity to analyze the…

While many people are making their New Years Resolutions about health and wellness, consider committing to your financial wellbeing too! Here are a few things to think about when writing down your 2024 goals. Top up your TFSAs or consider making a regular contribution The new maximum limit for 2024 is $7,000, however if you have not maximized your contributions in previous years then you will have more than the annual limit to contribute. If you don’t have the cash available for a larger deposit, you could consider making regular bi-weekly or monthly contributions throughout the calendar year to maximize…

In the realm of personal finance, Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSA) stand out as a top choice for Canadians in terms of financial flexibility. Introduced in 2009, TFSAs have become a cornerstone for savvy investors and savers alike. Let’s delve into a refresher on key aspects that make TFSA a powerful tool for tax-efficient wealth building. 1. What is a TFSA?A Tax-Free Savings Account is a versatile investment vehicle that allows Canadians to earn investment income and capital gains tax-free. Unlike traditional savings accounts, TFSAs offer a broad range of investment options, making them an effective tool for growing wealth over…

Do you have money sitting in a chequing or savings account making very little (if any) interest? Although cash should not be a long-term method of growing your wealth, there is a time and place to use cash to your advantage within your financial plan. Cash can support your current and short-term financial needs as well as provide you with protection and liquidity. With current interest rates at recent memory highs, more clients are asking about GICs and high interest rates. While I generally recommend investing in a diversified mutual fund portfolio for long-term investments, cash & GICs are finding…

2022 has been the year of market volatility and understandably an uncomfortable time for investors. The “statement shock” can be worrying for many people when they see their investments worth less than they were three or six months ago. Most of my clients are experienced when it comes to the ups and downs, but nevertheless, it is a time of many questions about what you should do when markets are down. Every time it happens it feels like it’s different this time. The reasons may be different, but the response should be the same. First, I want to summarize the…

A few things have contributed to the rocky start to the year in equity markets, after a generally steady climb back from the March 2020 “crash”. Chief Investment Strategist from Dynamic Funds Myles Zyblock shares a quick and easy to understand update on the volatility we’ve seen over the first few weeks of 2022, and what we can keep in mind moving forward in equity markets. Click here to read the short article (1-2 minute read). As we often say, market volatility provides great opportunity for our portfolio managers to take advantage of these dips to reposition their portfolios and…

Category Archives: Investing

Markets, Headlines, and Perspective

Life After Separation or Divorce

Summer 2025 Market Update

Canada vs. US Trade War

Trump’s Triumph … Again

Happy New Year

The Power of Tax Savings

Holding Cash in Your Portfolio

Market Update

Market Commentary