dividend

One of the key factors in assessing the outlook for 2022 is anticipating the moves of the U.S. Federal Reserve. At its last meeting, the governors considered (a) increasing the federal funds rate, probably in March, and (b) lowering the Fed’s balance sheet liabilities. The problem that lies ahead is how to maximize employment and deal with inflation, which has increased at a rate well in excess of initial expectations. [more]

The last few days of 2021 ended meekly. But the year as a whole was outstanding. We remain very cautious for 2022 as corporate earnings, the backbone of market performance, are not likely to emulate the strong performance garnered in 2021. In the last few weeks of 2021, there was a noticeable shift away from technology and growth stocks to the more defensive issues like utilities, and such as we have in our eResearch Dividend Portfolio. Such stocks could come under pressure in the New Year. We will remain vigilant. [more]

Finally, our long-expected market pull-back and, typically, in just a few days of trading. The market may attach itself to the current negative sentiment and decline further. However, we are heading into the market’s usual strong performance period. December is usually a good month for the market, and this normally extends into the New Year. But this year could be different. By all means, take advantage of washed out quality companies, but be careful with your buying proclivities. [more]

October proved to be a good month for our Portfolio, and now we are heading into the market’s strongest period. Our excellent dividend-paying companies and the strong overall market performance combined to send our Portfolio up 8.2% since its inception last June 1. [more]

We cautioned last month that September is typically a difficult month for the stock market. This year has been no different. Our Portfolio dropped 2.0%, while the S&P TSX Composite Index fared slightly worse, dropping 2.5%. The S&P 500 Index was down 4.8%, while the DJIA was off 4.3%. [more]

The value of the Portfolio on August 27 was $537,153, up 7.4% from the initial investment of $500,000. For comparative purposes, the S&P/TSX Composite Index gained 4.6% since inception. [more]

The value of the Portfolio on July 30 was $535,900, up 7.2% from the $500,000 initial investment. For comparative purposes, the S&P/TSX Composite Index gained 2.8% since inception. [more]

The value of the Portfolio on June 25 was $522,977, up 1.2% from the $516,655 value recorded two weeks ago, and up 4.6% since its inception on June 1. For comparative purposes, the S&P/TSX Composite Index gained 0.5% in the last two weeks and 2.5% since inception. [more]