RESULTS at a glance – 1Q21
The lingering COVID-19 pandemic did not prevent markets from reaching new highs in the first quarter. Canada experienced the strongest run up, followed by the US and then international markets. Our Northern advantage is partly thanks to rising oil prices. Generous stimulus packages and the improving economy have some economists concerned about rising consumer prices, however; while Canadian bond yields have fallen to 0, US yields have risen, a sign that investors are worried about rising inflation. That said, these fears have not stopped gold from falling, signaling a risk-on market.
| MARKETS | QTR-END 31-Mar-21 | YR-END 31-Dec-20 | CHANGE THIS YEAR |
| S&P/TSX Composite | 18,701 | 17,433 | 7.3% |
| S&P 500 | 3,973 | 3,756 | 5.8% |
| EAFE | 2,208 | 2,148 | 2.8% |
| GoC 10-Year | 0.00% | 0.68% | -68bps |
| US Gov 10-Year | 1.74% | 0.93% | 81bps |
| CAD$ / US$ | 0.796 | 0.785 | 1.4% |
| WTIC Oil | $59.16 | $48.52 | 21.9% |
| Gold | $1,704.74 | $1,897.77 | -10.2% |
Returns are based on price change only, and exclude dividends. Foreign indices are in USD.
Source: National Bank Financial, QUANT Monitor as of March 31, 2021