Embark’s Head of Investments shares regular market recaps to help families understand what moved the markets—and what it could mean for education savings.
About Yelena Stepanyan, CFA, MBA
Yelena Stepanyan, CFA, MBA, is Head of Investments at Embark, overseeing approximately CAD $6.4 billion. With 25+ years in finance, she leads investment strategy, asset allocation, external manager oversight, new product development, and customer education. Yelena holds an MBA from the Ivey Business School and is a CFA Charterholder. She previously served as Chair of the Institutional Asset Management Committee at CFA Society Toronto and is a member of the Secondary School Relations Committee.
Outside of work, Yelena is a proud mother of three who strongly believes in education savings. She speaks four languages and is active in the community, giving back as a leader.
Canadian stocks rose modestly as energy and mining shares held up amid elevated oil and gold prices, while U.S. stocks fell for a fifth straight week. Bonds edged lower, money markets stayed positive, and a weaker Canadian dollar gave a small lift to foreign holdings.
Canadian and U.S. stocks fell for a fourth straight week as high oil prices and Middle East conflict kept sentiment weak. Bonds edged lower, money markets were stable, and the Canadian dollar was little changed.
Canadian and U.S. stocks declined on weaker jobs data and rising oil prices, bonds edged lower, and money markets were flat. A weaker Canadian dollar provided a small lift for portfolios with foreign assets.
Canadian and U.S. stocks fell as geopolitical turmoil and surging oil prices stoked inflation fears, while bonds lost ground and money markets held steady. The Canadian dollar appreciated against the U.S. dollar.
Canadian equities rose 7.72% in February on energy and materials strength, while U.S. equities declined 0.76% amid oil-driven inflation concerns and valuation pressure. Bonds returned 1.66%, money markets gained 0.17%, and the Canadian dollar slightly weakened.
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