2025 Mid-Year Market Review: What’s Going On & What It Means for You

We’re halfway through 2025, and it’s been quite a ride in the markets. From sticky inflation to shifting political winds, things haven’t always been smooth—but there’s also been plenty of opportunity for savvy investors. Here’s a quick, easy-to-digest look at what’s happened so far and what we’re keeping an eye on for the rest of the year.

2025 Mid-Year Market Review: Key Takeaways for Investors

The first half of 2025 has brought both challenges and opportunities for investors. With ongoing inflation, political shifts, and global tensions, markets have been bumpy. But active investment managers found ways to adjust and uncover new growth potential. Here’s a simple overview of what’s happened so far and what might come next:

Market Highlights

• Market ups and downs returned as new U.S. trade policies and global conflicts shook investor confidence.
• Inflation is still high, so central banks have been slow to cut interest rates.
• Canada’s stock market did better than the U.S., thanks to strength in energy, financial, and resource companies.

How Investment Managers Responded

Bond & Income Strategies:

• Some managers reduced their focus on U.S. bonds and shifted into European and Asia-Pacific bonds, where conditions were more promising.
• They actively managed interest rate sensitivity and foreign currency exposure, benefiting from a weaker U.S. dollar.
• Higher-yield bonds stayed appealing because of strong demand and solid financial fundamentals.

Stock Market Trends

• U.S. stocks had a tough start, especially in tech, due to concerns about trade policy.
• Canadian stocks became more attractive, with investors focusing on local companies in energy, banking, and gold.
• AI and innovation continue to be long-term areas of opportunity. Managers stayed invested in top-quality companies that are leading in AI, healthcare breakthroughs, and manufacturing returning to North America.

Managing Risk

• Many teams focused on investing in strong, well-run companies with good profits and reliable dividend payments.
• They stressed the importance of careful stock picking and focusing on real value instead of chasing trends.

What to Watch for in the Second Half of 2025

Inflation Pressures: Tariffs, energy prices, and government spending may keep inflation higher than normal.

Policy Changes: Investors are watching the U.S. government for shifts in trade rules, taxes, and central bank leadership.

Global Conflicts: Ongoing tensions in Ukraine and the Middle East may continue to affect markets. Gold and natural gas are being used as protection against uncertainty.

Global Opportunities: Many managers still see value in international stocks and bonds, especially in Europe and select emerging markets.

Diversification Matters: A balanced mix of stocks and bonds, with a focus on quality and global reach, remains a smart approach.

Final Thoughts:

 2025 has been anything but predictable, but smart, flexible strategies are helping investors stay on track. While the rest of the year may still be bumpy, there are still many ways to grow and preserve wealth.

What This Means for You

Staying invested through uncertainty isn’t always easy—but it’s often where long-term value is found. This is when active management and a steady, diversified plan really shine. As always, we’re here to guide you through whatever the markets throw our way.

If you’d like to chat about your portfolio or have questions about the year ahead, just reach out—we’re happy to help.

Source: Based on insights from IA Clarington’s portfolio managers as of June 2025.

Here are the returns to July 15th, 2025 :