Jobs Data, Market Catalysts & the January Effect - Top 3 This Week

What should investors focus on as 2026 gets underway? In this week's update, Allan Small outlines three key themes that could shape markets over the next several weeks. First, Allan breaks down critical economic data from Canada and the U.S., including upcoming jobs reports and inflation numbers — and why accuracy matters more than headlines. He explains how these figures influence decisions by the Federal Reserve and the Bank of Canada. Second, Allan discusses the market's lingering tech hangover from 2025, the dominance of AI-driven narratives, and potential catalysts ahead — from earnings season to policy shifts and geopolitical developments. Finally, he explains the January Effect and the January Barometer, including what early-January market performance may signal for the rest of the year — and why investors should watch this month closely without relying on it blindly. If you're positioning your portfolio for early 2026, this episode provides essential context before making your next move.