Vikram Barhat

2 weeks ago | morningstar.ca | Vikram Barhat

Carney’s crisis-era cabinet comprises experienced ministers in key economic areas, including finance, Canada-US relations, internal trade, and foreign affairs. Analysts see an emphasis on reviving the domestic economy while strengthening trade with countries other than the US. In addition, building on Carney’s background as a central banker, they see him being closely involved in economic decision-making.

2 weeks ago | morningstar.ca | Vikram Barhat

An increase in US home construction boosts demand for Canadian lumber, benefitting major players like Stella Jones SJ, which derives 72% of its revenue from the US, West Fraser Timber WFG (67%), Canfor CFP (50%) and Interfor IFP (78%). Their substantial US revenue exposure also makes them prime beneficiaries of a strong US dollar, as well as a weaker loonie, as earnings converted into Canadian dollars result in higher reported income.

2 weeks ago | morningstar.ca | Vikram Barhat

However, hotter-than-expected core inflation numbers complicate the outlook for a June rate cut. Some analysts say the Bank of Canada’s decision will hinge on next week’s GDP data. Traders in overnight swaps have lowered the odds of a June rate cut to about 35%, cutting it in half from nearly 70% earlier.

2 weeks ago | morningstar.ca | Vikram Barhat

More than simply marking price adjustments, fair value estimate revisions recognize sustained operational discipline. Often overlooked amid louder market upheavals, these recalibrations offer investors greater clarity—a sign that beneath any surface volatility is a more resilient business. The following names from Morningstar’s Canadian coverage stand out for having recently earned increases to their fair value estimates.

4 weeks ago | morningstar.ca | Vikram Barhat

The tariff hit and growing fears of a recession underpin the labor market setback, as businesses cut jobs and implement hiring freezes to ride out the economic uncertainty. The bump in the joblessness rate coincides with weaker February GDP data, suggesting economic growth has been stalled by unresolved US tariffs on Canadian goods and retaliatory Canadian levies on US exports. Analysts say this has implications for the central bank, which decided to pause rate cuts at its last meeting in April.