Economic Indicators

Decorative pattern

Economic Indicators

Regulators spur formalization of contingent capital

The recent credit crunch has had a devastating impact on banks throughout the world, much to the chagrin of regulators entrusted with ensuring that bankers’ exuberance in good times didn’t lead them to over-reach. The response of governments has been unprecedented, with direct investments and guarantees to stave off financial collapse. There is broad agreement […]

By James Hymas |January 1, 2010

7 min read

Decorative pattern

Economic Indicators

Commodity rally to drive provincial recoveries

The chorus is growing louder, proclaiming recession ended in the third quarter of 2009. The latest voice in that choir is Scotiabank, where economists are predicting a muted and geographically uneven recovery. The bank spreads the credit around for ending the economic slump, pointing to consumer spending, government stimulus and a recovery in the credit […]

By Steven Lamb |December 23, 2009

2 min read

Decorative pattern

Economic Indicators

Are Canadians building debt bubble?

While Canadians are in better financial shape than majority of the developed world, we are using low rates to quickly ratchet up debt. And economists say it’s not necessarily a bad thing. Overextended household balance sheets – especially in the U.S. and U.K. – were ultimately the root cause of the global financial meltdown. Canadians […]

By Mark Noble |December 18, 2009

4 min read

Decorative pattern

Economic Indicators

Recession’s over! Now what?

The Great Recession of 2008-2009 is officially over, according to economists from three of Canada’s larger financial institutions. But charting a course in 2010 could prove difficult, as central banks balance inflation risks against choking off growth. “The global economy and recovery remain fraught with risk,” notes TD’s senior vice-president and chief economist, Don Drummond. […]

By Steven Lamb |December 17, 2009

4 min read

Decorative pattern

Economic Indicators

Economy points to late cyclicals

Economic performance may outpace market returns in the coming months, according to a 2010 forecast by Scotiabank. Like many other forecasters, Scotiabank is predicting a return to muted but stable returns for Canadian investors, with the prospect of rising inflation towards the end of next year. Scotiabank chief economist Warren Jestin says the world is […]

By Mark Noble |December 1, 2009

5 min read

Decorative pattern

Economic Indicators

Time to hedge U.S. currency exposure

The Canadian dollar has been rising steadily against the U.S. dollar recently, due in part to increasing demand for commodities, and in part to the sagging greenback. Global uncertainty toward the U.S. dollar was bolstered on Wednesday, as Sergei Shvetsov, head of open market operations for Russia’s central bank told his government that the bank […]

By Steven Lamb |November 25, 2009

3 min read

Decorative pattern

Economic Indicators

Housing boom has legs: CIBC economist

Interest rates are not going to rise any time soon, says a leading housing market expert, but it’s incumbent upon homebuyers to ensure they can carry their mortgage even if rates rise 200 basis points. Speaking before the Canadian Mortgage Conference and Expo in Toronto, hosted by The Canadian Association of Accredited Mortgage Professionals (CAAMP), […]

By Mark Noble |November 23, 2009

4 min read

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Economic Indicators

Near-term inflation risks low: analysts

Policymakers in developed economies have employed every weapon in their arsenal to combat the recession, from slashing interest rates to near-zero, to good old fashioned money printing. With the recession now in the history books, market strategists are puzzling out what the result of lax monetary policies will be. Speaking at the Investment Counsel Association […]

By Steven Lamb |November 19, 2009

5 min read

Decorative pattern

Economic Indicators

Recovery slow, but sustainable

Investors worried that the market’s recovery ended in October should remain calm but cautious as the coming year will see a sustained economic recovery in North America, according to the chief investment officers at one transnational private bank. Momentum is driving the market, and since July, that has been tilted in favour of bulls, says […]

By Steven Lamb |November 4, 2009

3 min read

Decorative pattern

Economic Indicators

Expect a slow recovery, says Goodman

“A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush,” says Ned Goodman, quoting from one of Aesop’s fables, at Monday’s luncheon conference at Toronto’s National Club. “It’s my valuation tool for almost anything,” he says. In other words, better to have a sure thing than take a major gamble. Goodman, benefactor of the […]

By Sarah Snowdon |November 3, 2009

4 min read

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