Market Update:

The Producer Price Index (PPI) in the US rose 2.2% in April, coming in line with market expectations, indicating rate cut may eventually come as inflation gets back to the target level. In addition, the US inflation eases as the consumer price index (CPI) rose 3.4% in April, in line with expectation but down from 3.5% last month, marking the smallest increase since 2021. The Canadian dollar was 73.5 cents USD. The U.S. S&P500 ended the week up 1.2%, while the TSX was up 0.3%.

It was a mixed week of greens and reds. Materials rose 2.6%, while financials and technology gained 0.5% each. Consumer discretionary edged up by 0.2%. Industrials slid by 1.3%, while energy and real estate gave up 0.8% and 0.3%, respectively. Consume staple ended the week flat. The most heavily traded shares by volume were Tilray Brands, Fission Uranium, and Bitfarms.
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Last minute push extended markets to record highs on Friday (May 17). Next week will present upcoming earnings, and will be indicative of economy. Many companies outside of "Big Tech" are reporting record earnings - which means strength in economy is extending past tech. Retail blue chip stocks like Target & Walmart are looking strong as well. NVIDIA earnings report next will is what everybody is waiting for. Indicates strength in generative A.I. & accelerated computing. Chips from NVIDIA are stronger than anything on the market - so in some ways, company deserves valuation. However, expect volatility from NVIDIA - would advise investors to "own" the stock rather than trade it. Bottom line is that lots of upcoming earnings coming up. 

Remains bullish on markets. Markets have had consistent gains since October 2023. Markets appear to be strengthening outside of big tech. Companies with high dividends tend not to growth as much - would rather slow & steady dividend growth (to keep up with inflation. With rising interest rates, important to screen companies that are sensitive to this. Energy, materials & industrial sector's are presenting large amounts of opportunity (Price/Cash Flow very low).