Michael Nicholas, CFA

Markets pushed higher in August as AI-driven optimism helped investors look past softer economic data. The S&P 500 gained 2.62% and the S&P/TSX Composite rose 2.96%, even as softening retail sales kept consumer spending in focus. Back-to-school season adds another data point to that story, with spending expected to reach \$146.8 billion in the U.S. and \$4.5 billion in Canada this year.

Monthly Market Insights | September 2026 Monthly Market Insights | September 2026 U.S. and Canadian Markets Renewed enthusiasm for AI pushed stocks higher in August as investors looked past mixed economic signals. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 2.62 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite rose 3.93 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial...

Markets navigated mixed signals in July. Inflation eased, tech faced pressure, and energy surged. Meanwhile, Americans are planning record travel spending in 2026: \$1.37 trillion. What's shaping your household budget this summer?

Monthly Market Insights | August 2026 Monthly Market Insights | August 2026 U.S. and Canadian Markets Stocks were mixed in July as investors navigated a cross-current of news on the outlook for AI spending and Q2 corporate reports. The Dow Jones Industrial Average led, adding 0.32 percent. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index edged down 0....

Retaining great employees starts with showing them their future matters. This post spotlights the SIMPLE IRA as an accessible retirement option designed with smaller teams in mind, giving business owners a specific, tangible reason to start the conversation.

When it comes to small business retirement options, the choices can feel overwhelming. This post highlights that a SEP-IRA, SIMPLE IRA, and 401(k) are structured differently, and that the right fit depends on business size, number of employees, and overall goals.

A financial review doesn't have to be complicated.

Taking time to revisit key areas of your financial life can help ensure you're still aligned with your goals.

Small business owners often think of their employees as family, but are they set up like it? This post opens the conversation around retirement options available to small business employees, reminding owners that a 401(k) isn't the only choice and that some options are built specifically for smaller teams.

A takeover battle is unfolding around a historic Italian lender widely regarded as the world’s oldest bank.

Founded in 1472, the institution began as a way to provide credit to lower-income citizens in Siena. More than five centuries later, it remains part of Italy’s financial landscape.

The current bidding activity has drawn attention because the outcome could reshape part of Italy’s banking sector.

The situation also carries broader significance because the bank has connections to major financial holdings, including insurance and government bond exposure.

For Italy, the issue is not only about banking. It also raises questions about domestic control, foreign influence, and how countries approach financial institutions viewed as strategically important.

It is a reminder that financial history is not frozen in the past. Sometimes, institutions that have existed for centuries still sit at the center of modern economic and political debates.


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Bidding war underway for world's oldest bank, Italy's Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena has been operating for well over 500 years, and some Italian officials reportedly want to ensure it stays in Italian hands.

Markets posted solid second-quarter gains as investors responded to upbeat economic reports, continued diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, and strong first-quarter corporate numbers. The S&P 500 rose 14.87%, the Nasdaq gained 21.41%, and the Dow picked up 12.90%, while Canada’s S&P/TSX Composite added 6.37%. Looking ahead, markets may continue to react to Middle East updates, oil prices, inflation trends, and the pace of global commerce through the Strait of Hormuz. From U.S. home price growth to Canadian housing forecasts, this quarter’s by-the-numbers highlights the data behind one of North America’s most closely watched markets.

Quarterly Market Insights | July 2026 Quarterly Market Insights | July 2026 U.S. and Canadian Markets Stocks saw solid gains in the second quarter, riding a wave of enthusiasm over upbeat economic reports, ongoing diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, and strong first-quarter corporate numbers. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 14...

Another amazing Bounce Children’s Foundation event in the books! This one was particularly special as I had the honor of co-chairing the event. Birdies Fore Bounce is just one of our many events to help raise funds to support families with chronically ill children. We were able to raise over $90k this year and look forward to having you all out next year to supersede that and have even more fun doing so!