Helping Canadian investors thrive in uncertain times

By Stacey Petersen, SVP, Head of Direct Investing at Aviso

Economic uncertainty can challenge even the most experienced investors, but Canadian self-directed investors continue to demonstrate resilience, agility, and confidence. These qualities, when paired with the right tools and resources, enable investors to navigate market volatility and even transform it into an opportunity for growth.

Turning uncertainty into opportunity

Market volatility is a major concern for investors today, amid the backdrop of a trade war, geopolitical tensions, and a movement to support the local and national economy. However, investors appear to be riding the waves of volatility with confidence. Between January and April 2025, we saw a year-over-year increase of over 15% in trading on the Qtrade Direct Investing® platform, with 65% of trades being buy orders, a clear sign of confidence and a long-term perspective.

And perhaps what’s most interesting is who is leading this charge. In April 2025, at the height of the trade tensions, we saw a 28.1% increase in orders from Qtraders under age 35, indicating that the Gen Z and Millennial cohorts are not only managing the volatility but also using it to their advantage.  

This resilience is the result of preparation and access to reliable resources, because for investors to thrive, they need more than just access to markets—they need an investing partner that offers clarity in decision-making. At a time when younger investors have unprecedented access to information through blogs, ‘finfluencers,’ and online communities like Reddit, finding trustworthy information to help inform strategy is more important than ever.

A good investing partner fosters not just knowledge, but also the confidence to take calculated risks, adapt to challenges, and seize opportunities. This means having tools to easily track portfolio performance, reliable insights to guide choices, and resources that instill confidence. Whether it’s a new investor seeking to establish financial stability or a seasoned investor managing a complex portfolio, the right tools can make a significant impact on their success.

A trusted partner

Resilience isn’t just about weathering challenges—it’s about building a stronger financial future. As a solution designed by Canadians for Canadians and the preferred online brokerage partner for credit unions and financial services providers across the country, Qtrade is dedicated to helping investors achieve their financial goals. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities Canadians face, we empower investors to thrive in any market condition and to build a brighter financial future.

Learn more about how Qtrade helps Canadian investors thrive.

^{Online brokerage services are offered through Qtrade Direct Investing. Qtrade Direct Investing and Qtrade Guided Portfolios are divisions of Aviso Financial Inc. Qtrade and Qtrade Direct Investing are trade names or trademarks of Aviso Wealth Inc. and/or its affiliates.}

^{Aviso Wealth Inc. ('Aviso') is a wholly owned subsidiary of Aviso Wealth LP, which in turn is owned 50% by Desjardins Financial Holding Inc. and 50% by a limited partnership owned by the five Provincial Credit Union Centrals and The CUMIS Group Limited. The following entities are subsidiaries of Aviso: Aviso Financial Inc. (including divisions Aviso Wealth, Qtrade Direct Investing, Qtrade Guided Portfolios, Aviso Correspondent Partners), Aviso Insurance Inc., Credential Insurance Services Inc. and Northwest & Ethical Investments L.P.}