This month’s Invested explores how big forces like AI investment and trade tensions, as well as inflation and extreme weather, are shaping markets, economies and everyday life. We revisit CIO Scott Smith’s timely analysis of the opportunities and risks emerging from the AI infrastructure boom, while the Viewpoint Foundation shares practical ways to bring more of nature’s benefits into our daily routines.
We also look at what an escalating Canada–U.S. trade dispute could mean for interest rates, employment and Canada’s negotiating position, compare how central banks around the world are navigating persistent inflation, and examine the potentially far-reaching economic consequences of a historic El Niño. Finally, we head east to discover how Newfoundland and Labrador built an impressive community of technology startups, and what it will take to sustain that momentum.
VIEWPOINT SPOTLIGHT
INSIGHTS FROM THE VIEWPOINT TEAM
FIGHTING THE TAPE: WASHINGTON'S D-DAY WITH THE BOND MARKET
Washington is trying to contain rising long-term Treasury yields as war, persistent deficits, and AI-driven borrowing strain the bond market. Expanded buybacks and other interventions may suppress yields temporarily, but they also complicate the Federal Reserve’s job and increase refinancing risk. If fiscal pressure remains unresolved, CIO Scott Smith argues that the U.S. dollar may become the economy’s natural release valve.
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INSIGHTS FROM THE VIEWPOINT FOUNDATION
EXPLORING PHILANTHROPIC TRENDS & IMPACTFUL INITIATIVES
BRINGING NATURE INTO EVERYDAY LIFE
This second article in a series of three from the Viewpoint Foundation explores practical ways to bring nature into everyday life, from simply viewing greenery to walking, gardening, and birdwatching. Research suggests that even brief encounters with urban nature can improve mood, reduce stress, and restore attention. By approaching nature with curiosity and intention, ordinary experiences can support learning, connection, physical activity, and greater mental well-being within our communities.
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AUGUST'S INVESTMENT PULSE
WHAT TODAY'S MODERN MARKET TRENDS REVEAL ABOUT INVESTOR THINKING
POSTHASTE: IF TRADE WAR PERSISTS, BANK OF CANADA'S NEXT MOVE COULD BE A CUT
The Financial Post looks at how the Bank of Canada is expected to hold interest rates on September 2, but escalating Canada-U.S. trade tensions could make its next move a cut. New tariffs threaten business confidence and up to 130,000 jobs, while retaliation may deepen economic damage and raise inflation. Although National Bank still forecasts 2027 hikes, it calls that outlook fragile if the dispute persists.
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INFLATION AND INTEREST RATES TRACKER: SEE HOW YOUR COUNTRY COMPARES
The Financial Times interactive tracker compares inflation, interest rates and policy decisions worldwide. It shows the general trend of inflation easing from post-pandemic peaks caused by supply disruptions, energy shocks and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, prompting many central banks to lower borrowing costs. However, core inflation remains elevated in G7 economies, and the return to 2 per cent targets is difficult, with mortgage rates continuing to constrain housing markets.
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PODCAST PICK
UNLOCKING INSIGHTS, ONE EPISODE AT A TIME
A HISTORIC EL NIÑO IS COMING THAT COULD COST THE WORLD TRILLIONS
This episode of Odd Lots examines the emerging El Niño, which forecasters warn could reach record-breaking intensity. Dartmouth geography professor Justin Mankin explains what El Niño is, how scientists predict these climate events, and why their effects vary. The discussion explores how powerful episodes can trigger droughts, floods and other disasters, creating economic disruption and damage that can persist long after conditions subside.
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MORE TO EXPLORE
CURATED READS FOR THE INQUISITIVE
CANADA HAS ONE IMPORTANT EDGE IN THE NORTH AMERICAN TRADE WAR
Continuing with the trade war update, Politico discusses Canada’s greatest advantage which is political unity. Canadians broadly support Prime Minister Mark Carney’s retaliatory tariffs despite substantial economic risks, while American voters, businesses and some Republicans oppose Trump’s duties. With midterm elections approaching, Washington may face political pressure before Ottawa’s economic endurance breaks, though renewed negotiations remain possible for both countries.
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WHY NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR HAS MORE TECH UNICORNS PER CAPITA THAN ANY OTHER PROVINCE
This article from Be Giant looks at Newfoundland and Labrador’s remarkable concentration of tech unicorns stems from Verafin’s landmark success, which built local confidence, experience and investor credibility. A close-knit, supportive community, resilient founders and government-backed programs help startups launch and scale. TechNL CEO Andrea King says sustaining momentum requires timely capital, stronger sales and customer-success talent, and attracting experienced workers and companies to Newfoundland from elsewhere.