A Bit of a Reset Heading Into Easter Weekend
Week Ending April 3, 2026
We missed last week’s update on our end, and in a way, it feels like a good moment to pause and reset.
Heading into the Easter long weekend, I hope you’re able to slow down a bit, spend time with family, and take a break from the noise. Markets have certainly given us plenty to think about lately.
After a stretch of volatility, this past week was a welcome change.
Market Overview
Weekly Market Performance (March 30 to April 3, 2026)
- S&P 500: +3.36%
- Nasdaq Composite: +4.44%
- Dow Jones Industrial Average: +2.96%
- MSCI EAFE Index: +2.59%
- S&P/TSX Composite Index: +2.1%
Markets rebounded over the shortened trading week, with optimism building around a potential easing of tensions in the Middle East and stronger than expected economic data helping sentiment.
Canadian markets participated as well, with the TSX moving higher alongside global markets.
A Shift in Sentiment
The week didn’t start that way.
Markets were under pressure early on, still digesting geopolitical risks and ongoing concerns around inflation. Comments from Jerome Powell reinforced that while inflation expectations remain relatively stable, there are still risks that need to be monitored.
But sentiment shifted quickly.
By Tuesday, markets rallied to close out the first quarter on a strong note, with renewed optimism that tensions could ease. Momentum carried into Wednesday, supported by stronger retail sales data and more constructive messaging out of Washington.
By Thursday, markets managed to push through some intraday volatility and finish higher, breaking a five week losing streak.
Canada and the TSX
Here at home, the story was a bit more balanced.
The TSX saw strength from energy and financials, as oil prices stabilized and supported the Canadian market. At the same time, there continues to be an ongoing conversation around what comes next from the Bank of Canada.
With inflation still proving sticky, expectations for rate cuts remain cautious. This creates a bit of a push and pull in Canadian markets, where higher energy prices can be supportive, but also keep pressure on inflation and interest rates.
Jobs Data Reminds Us of the Bigger Picture
Even with everything going on globally, the underlying economy continues to show resilience.
The U.S. added 178,000 jobs in March, well ahead of expectations, and unemployment edged lower. It’s a good reminder that while headlines can drive short term movements, the foundation of the economy still matters.
What Is Driving the Market
A few key themes continue to shape markets right now:
- Ongoing geopolitical developments
- Energy prices and their impact on inflation
- Central bank policy and interest rate expectations
- Economic data, particularly employment and consumer activity
When these factors overlap, markets tend to react quickly, which is exactly what we’ve been seeing.
Why This Matters
If the past couple of weeks have felt a bit uneasy, that’s completely normal.
This is the type of environment where headlines move markets day to day, and it can be tempting to react. But as we’ve seen time and time again, these periods are part of investing.
Staying diversified, sticking to a plan, and focusing on long term goals continues to be the most important thing.
This Week: Key Economic Data
Tuesday, April 7th
- Durable Goods,
- Consumer Credit
Wednesday, April 8th
- FOMC Meeting Minutes
Thursday, April 9th
- PCE Index
- GDP (second estimate)
- Jobless Claims
Friday, April 10th
- CPI,
- Factory Orders
- Consumer Sentiment
This Week: Companies Reporting Earnings
Wednesday, April 8th
- Delta Air Lines
"Thus every action must be due to one or other of seven causes: chance, nature, compulsion, habit, reasoning, anger, or appetite."
– Aristotle
I never complain, no matter where I am led; I go around in circles, yet move straight ahead. What am I?
Last Week's Riddle: What comes at the end of a rainbow?
Answer: The letter "W"
Joanne hanging out in a tree in South Beach in Ucluelet
Footnotes and Sources
1. WSJ.com, April 2, 2026
2. CNBC.com, March 30, 2026
3. CNBC.com, March 30, 2026
4. WSJ.com, March 31, 2026
5. CNBC.com, April 1, 2026
6. CNBC.com, April 2, 2026
7. WSJ.com, April 3, 2026
8. IRS.gov, October 24, 2025
9. GreaterGood.Berkeley.edu, November 17, 2025
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