Celebrating Connection and Mentorship: International Women's Day 2026

Sarah from the HCM team recently hosted an inspiring International Women's Day gathering in Peterborough, bringing together over 50 women from RBC, local accounting and law firms, and our banking partners. What began as an idea to create meaningful connection evolved into an evening that reinforced a powerful truth: progress is built through shared experience and mutual support.

A Passion for Advocacy

Sarah's commitment to supporting women in the workforce runs deep. During her time in downtown Toronto, she was actively involved in several women's networking organizations, building connections and championing opportunities for her peers. It's been wonderful to see her bring that same energy and passion to the Peterborough community.

Shifting the Narrative

As a woman who started her career in a male-dominated industry, Sarah has spent considerable time thinking about why there aren't more women at the top levels of most companies. "There seems to be a lot of agreement when we talk about the problem," she shared at the event. "It's when discussing solutions that things get quieter."

Sarah believes a big portion of the solution is straightforward: exposing women—especially young women—to more success stories. "If young women everywhere went into the workforce armed with all the accumulated advice and wisdom of experienced women who have thrived in and enjoyed their careers, they and the organizations they're joining would be much better served."

Why This Matters

There is no secret formula for success. Each of us brings a different mix of talent, ambition, circumstance, resilience, and support. That is exactly why our stories matter.

"Some of the most meaningful growth in my career has come from women who shared their time, opened doors, offered advice, and believed in me," Sarah reflected. "Progress doesn't happen alone. It happens when we make space for others and share not just our wins, but the story of how we got there."

Lessons Worth Sharing

During her remarks, Sarah shared six key pieces of advice she's received from successful women throughout her career:

1. You don't need to "know it all" on your first day. Even CEOs ask questions.
2. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Don't hold yourself back thinking someone else is more talented or skilled.
3. You don't need to map out your entire career at 25 or 45. Take opportunities as they come.
4. Be prepared. Practice and know the facts—this is something very powerful.
5. Find that person who believes in you and listen to them, even if you don't like what they're saying.
6. Pay it forward. Take calls and meetings from colleagues seeking advice and connect them with others who may help.

And finally: Be open—for anything.

Supporting Our Community

The impact of the event extended beyond the evening itself. RBC Foundation grants approved for International Women's Day enabled Sarah to donate $2,500 to the YWCA Peterborough Haliburton and an additional $2,500 to the Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre in Cobourg. Both organizations do incredible work supporting women and families in our community, and this contribution aligns perfectly with the spirit of International Women's Day. "I am really proud that this event was able to contribute in a meaningful way to causes that matter so deeply to our region," Sarah noted.

Consider this an invitation to share your story. Whether it's your path to leadership, lessons learned from setbacks, or moments of breakthrough—your experience matters.

Thank you to Sarah and everyone who made this evening such a success.

Staying Grounded Through Market Volatility

Recent weeks have brought renewed uncertainty to global markets. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, combined with persistent questions around inflation and interest rates, have created volatility that can feel unsettling. However, it's important to remember that periods like this are not unusual—and, in many cases, the implications are already being reflected in market pricing.

Over the past two months, we've seen markets respond to evolving developments with a mix of short-term pullbacks and partial recoveries. This ebb and flow is a natural part of how markets process new information. While headlines can capture our attention, staying focused on the bigger picture is essential.

Market pullbacks are more common than you think

Historically, short-term market declines are far more normal than many investors expect:

• Since 1980, markets have experienced a 10%+ decline in over half of calendar years
• Despite this, annual returns were positive in ~75% of those years
• Long-term growth has persisted through recessions, inflation cycles, geopolitical conflicts, and policy uncertainty

Even in cases of geopolitical events similar to today's environment, markets have typically:

• Declined modestly in the short term (~6% on average)
• Recovered relatively quickly (often within about a month)

What this means for you: Short-term market movements are not a reliable indicator of long-term outcomes.

What's Driving Markets Right Now

Several key forces are influencing the current environment:

1. Geopolitics & Energy Price - Middle East tensions continue to create uncertainty around oil and gas availability and pricing. Higher energy costs are adding to inflation concerns globally and creating headwinds for economic growth expectations.
2. Interest Rates & Inflation - Central banks, particularly in the U.S., remain focused on managing persistent inflation while supporting economic growth. Interest rate cuts are likely to be measured and gradual rather than aggressive—a shift from market expectations earlier in the year.
3. Global Economic Growth - Growth remains uneven across regions. Canada is experiencing modest expansion, while Europe and Asia remain sensitive to energy disruptions and trade pressures. Manufacturing and trade activity show signs of strain in certain sectors.
4. Investor Behaviour - We're observing increased caution among investors, particularly around less liquid investments like private credit. This rebalancing toward more traditional, liquid holdings is a natural response to uncertainty.

Making Tax Time Easier: Transition to RBC Electronic Tax Documents

If you haven't yet made the switch to receiving your tax documents online, now is the perfect moment to consider the advantages.

The Benefits of Going Digital

Convenience & Speed: No more waiting for documents in the mail. Your tax slips will be available online shortly after they're issued—typically by late February for most documents. You can access them anytime, anywhere with just a few clicks.

Organization: Keep all your tax documents in one secure location. Rather than managing multiple papers and envelopes, you'll have a centralized hub where you can easily view, download, and store documents by year and account type.

Security: Electronic documents are protected by RBC's robust security measures, reducing the risk of sensitive information being lost in transit or misplaced at home.

Easy to Print or Save: If you prefer a physical copy, you can easily print documents directly from your computer or save them as PDFs for your records.

We're Here to Help. Contact Lee Ann if you are interested in making the switch.

Save the Date – Upcoming Events

Succession Simplified: A Better Way to Pass It On - Skip Probate. Transfer Wealth Smoothly
Tuesday, June 16, 2026 | 6:30 – 7:30 pm | McDonnel St. Community Centre (In Person)

Back by popular demand. Estate planning isn't just for the ultra-wealthy — it's for anyone who wants to protect their legacy, minimize legal hassles, and make life easier for their loved ones. Yet too often, it's pushed aside until it's too late.

Join us for a straight-talking, solutions-focused seminar that will demystify the complexities of estate planning. Learn how to sidestep the probate process, ensure your assets are transferred efficiently, and take advantage of smart strategies that can help you and your family now — and in the future.

The Henderson Capital Management team.

Stephen L Henderson | Senior Portfolio Manager |Henderson Capital Management | RBC Dominion Securities Inc. | 60 Hunter Street East, Peterborough, ON K9H 1G5 | Telephone  (705) 743-4378  or 1-800-429-9507| Fax (705) 743-4516 

Sarah Sackville | Associate Advisor | Henderson Capital Management | RBC Dominion Securities Inc. | T. 1-800-429-9507 | D. 705-743-4492 | F. 705-743-4516 | 60 Hunter Street East, Peterborough, ON K9H 1G5

This information is not investment advice and should be used only in conjunction with a discussion with your RBC Dominion Securities Inc. Investment Advisor... RBC Dominion Securities Inc.* and Royal Bank of Canada are separate corporate entities which are affiliated. *Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund. RBC Dominion Securities Inc. is a member company of RBC Wealth Management, a business segment of Royal Bank of Canada. ® / TM Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence. © 2026 RBC Dominion Securities Inc. All rights reserved.