As we turn the page to 2026, investors find themselves navigating a market that has defied expectations. The volatility of early 2025 — driven by geopolitical uncertainty and policy reversals — gave way to a powerful rebound, reminding us that fundamentals (the key principles of investing), not headlines, ultimately steer the course of markets. The recession fears have faded, replaced by signs of reacceleration across global economies. In this year’s outlook, we explore the forces shaping this new phase of the cycle and what they mean for investors seeking clarity amid the noise.
Canadians are pretty good at some aspects of estate planning. Almost half of Canadians have drawn up a will, and that number shoots up to 78% of Canadians aged 55-plus.
Those Canadians (45%) who say that they have a retirement plan feel less stressed about their future because retirement feels more attainable. However, many of those are unaware of what a real retirement plan looks like. Regularly saving in a company pension plan, an RRSP or a TFSA is not a retirement plan.
Getting your retirement plan right is crucial; you need to be confident that your money will last throughout your retirement, while giving you the standard of living you need. That’s why it’s important to have a solid financial plan and also dependable advice. There have been a number of myths about retirement planning circulating for years that can have a negative impact on your retirement plans. Let’s take a look at some of the more common ones and the reality that lies behind them.
As the March 1 RRSP deadline nears, many Canadians will, as they do every year, stash a last-minute lump-sum of cash into their retirement accounts. While it’s better to contribute before the deadline than not contribute at all, investing under pressure isn’t the best way to maximize your savings. “For a lot of a people, it’s a bit of a scramble at this time of year to make an RRSP contribution,” says Todd Sigurdson, IG Wealth Management’s Director of Tax and Estate Planning.
If you are heading toward retirement with a well-balanced portfolio of assets and/or guaranteed income sources such as an employer pension, you may already have enough anticipated resources to create a life-long income stream.
With an increasingly aging population, issues around providing services, including financial advice to seniors, are becoming more important. While attention is often focused on funding retirement and wealth transfer to the next generation, susceptibility to fraud often goes unnoticed.