March 2026

Market Update

Markets have experienced a period of short term pullback in recent weeks, particularly across sectors like materials, industrials, and consumer staples. While these shifts can feel abrupt, it’s important to keep them in context. Many of these sectors had been leading earlier in the year and remain positive on a year to date basis. What we are seeing is less about a change in fundamentals and more about a reset in sentiment as investors react to new data and headlines.

At a broader level, the economic backdrop remains relatively stable. Growth is continuing at a moderate pace, supported by resilient corporate earnings and a consumer that, while more selective, is still active. Businesses are continuing to invest, particularly in areas tied to productivity and innovation, which is helping to support longer term economic momentum. While interest rates remain elevated compared to recent history, markets are gradually adjusting to this environment, and expectations around future rate cuts continue to evolve.

Where things become more nuanced is in the global landscape. We are seeing a gradual shift away from a heavily U.S. centered market environment toward something more balanced. Trade relationships are evolving, geopolitical tensions remain present, and countries are placing greater emphasis on domestic production and economic independence. These changes don’t happen overnight, but they do influence how capital moves, how currencies behave, and where opportunities begin to emerge.

This is also contributing to increased interest in diversification, not just across asset classes, but geographically. There has been more attention on international markets, as well as assets like gold, which are often viewed as a way to hedge against uncertainty or currency shifts. These trends reflect a broader recognition that the investment landscape is becoming more interconnected and, at times, less predictable.

What this means:

Short term market movements are a normal part of the investing experience and often reflect shifting sentiment rather than a change in the underlying story. The more important takeaway is that the global environment is evolving. A well structured portfolio that is diversified, intentional, and aligned with your long term goals remains one of the most effective ways to navigate both the day to day noise and the larger changes taking place.

March Considerations

As tax season becomes more immediate, this is often when details come into focus and small decisions start to matter more:

• Have I gathered all of my tax documents and reviewed them for accuracy?
• Are there last minute contributions or adjustments I can still make before filing?
• Do I understand how my different accounts will impact my overall tax bill this year?
• Am I planning for what my tax result means, whether that’s a balance owing or a refund?
• Have I thought about how this year’s outcome could inform next year’s strategy?

This is the point where awareness turns into action. What you notice now can help shape how you plan moving forward.

Virtual Event

Your Retirement Paycheque: What to Expect

Thursday, April 23rd from 12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m EST

You’ve spent years building your wealth. Turning it into income is one of the biggest shifts you’ll face. In this 30 minute session, we walk through how a retirement paycheque comes together, from CPP and OAS to drawing from your investments and bridging the gap into retirement.

Because the question isn’t just “Do I have enough?” it’s “How do I make it last?”

Register today: https://rbcteams.webex.com/weblink/register/re89d33c365913a3b7722aa5794f7fb17 

A Final Note

If any of this raises questions for you, or if you would simply like reassurance that you are on the right track, I am here. Your financial plan should support your life, not add uncertainty to it.

Whether you are considering changes or just want to talk things through, I welcome the conversation.

Chantal

Chantal McNeily, CIM, BACS | Investment and Wealth Advisor, RBC Wealth Management | RBC Dominion Securities | T. 705-734-4409 | C. 705-794-5197 | 11 Victoria St., Suite 100, Barrie ON, L4N 6T2 | www.chantalmcneily.com