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Karachi Mall Inferno Leaves Dozens Missing and a City in Mourning

Emergency personnel search for survivors, following a massive fire that broke out in the Gul Plaza Shopping Mall in Karachi, Pakistan. A massive fire at Karachi’s Gul Plaza shopping mall has left at least 19 people dead and dozens more missing, plunging the city into shock as rescue teams continue searching through the burned structure. The blaze erupted over the weekend, rapidly engulfing the multi‑storey building that housed hundreds of small shops and stalls. Firefighters battled the flames for more than a day before gaining control, but large sections of the mall collapsed or were left dangerously unstable. Rescue workers have been combing through the debris, recovering bodies and searching for survivors as anxious families wait outside for news of loved ones. Authorities warn that the death toll may rise, with many victims still unaccounted for and several remains requiring DNA testing for identification. The incident has sparked public anger over emergency response times and r...

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How to Prepare Your Investments for Rising Rates in Canada

 

On October 25, the Bank of Canada made a decision: they kept the interest rates steady at 5%. This means that investors need to adjust their portfolios to cope with the new normal of higher borrowing costs and lower bond prices. Here are some tips on how to do that:

1. Reduce your exposure to long-term bonds. Long-term bonds are more sensitive to interest rate changes than short-term bonds, so they will lose more value when rates go up. You can switch to shorter-term bonds or bond funds, or use bond ladders to stagger the maturity dates of your bonds.

2. Diversify your income sources. Interest income from bonds will likely decline as rates rise, so you may want to look for other sources of income, such as dividends, real estate investment trusts (REITs), or preferred shares. These assets can provide steady cash flow and may also benefit from economic growth and inflation.

3. Consider adding some inflation protection. Higher interest rates often come with higher inflation, which erodes the purchasing power of your money. You can protect yourself from inflation by investing in assets that tend to rise in value when prices go up, such as commodities, gold, or inflation-linked bonds.

4. Review your asset allocation. Higher interest rates may affect the performance of different asset classes, so you may need to rebalance your portfolio to maintain your desired risk-reward profile. For example, you may want to reduce your exposure to growth stocks that rely on cheap debt to fund their expansion, and increase your exposure to value stocks that have strong cash flows and dividends.

5. Seek professional advice. Adjusting your portfolio for higher interest rates can be complex and challenging, especially if you have a long-term horizon and multiple goals. You may want to consult a financial planner or advisor who can help you create a personalized plan that suits your needs and preferences.

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