The Calgary Stampede kicked off this week, 10 days of rodeo, pancake breakfasts, cowboy boots, and a city-wide increase in questionable decision-making.

In many ways, the stock market isn’t all that different.

There are highs, lows, wild swings, and plenty of emotion. One day you feel like a genius. The next day you wake up wondering, “What was I thinking?” Whether it’s a late-night decision at Nashville North or that stock you panic-bought on a headline.

Much like Stampede, the biggest mistakes usually happen when excitement and emotion take over. Chasing what’s hot, reacting to every market headline, or making impulsive moves rarely ends well. Most investing mistakes aren’t made during calm markets, they’re made when adrenaline is high and judgment is… slightly impaired.

Successful investing is usually a lot less exciting. It’s about discipline, patience, and staying in the saddle when the ride gets rough.

Markets will always buck around. The goal isn’t to avoid volatility, it’s to avoid getting thrown off by it, or worse yet waking up Monday morning with a headache and a portfolio you don’t recognize.

Stay invested, stay disciplined… and maybe stay hydrated.

I have also included a piece from our CIBC Economics team entitled “Keeping CUSMA still counts for Canada”.

As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call at any time.

Have a great weekend.

Milan