The Bottom Line World equity markets continued their intermediate uptrend last week despite short term turbulence early in the week. Strength was recorded despite recent concerns including an earnings recession by major U.S. companies until the first quarter next year, growing efforts by the Democrats to impeach Donald Trump, continuing trade uncertainties between China and the U.S. and growing Middle East and Hong Kong tensions. Seasonal influences remain positive for most equity markets until the first week in January Observations Seasonal influences this year continue to follow their historic pattern. Seasonal influences on U.S. and Canadian equity markets turned positive in the second half of October. Seasonal influences for equity markets in other developed nations turned positive in early October.