The Bond Market Prefers Dictators to Democracies

Emerging market bonds from autocratic regimes have outperformed those in democracies over the past year Source: Bloomberg Dictatorships are on a hot streak in the bond market. In the past year, sovereign notes from emerging markets under autocratic rule have returned 15 percent on average, compared with just 8.6 percent for securities from developing countries considered…

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Investors Warm to ‘Green Bonds’

“Green bond” issuance is growing fast with $150 billion expected to be issued this year Source: The Wall Street Journal “Green bond” issuance is growing fast, part of the overall trend of do-good investments becoming more popular. And U.S. fund companies are looking to tap into investor demand for these bonds, which finance environmentally friendly projects…

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Ted’s Macro View – Trump Trade Evolves: Global ETFs Portfolios for Canadian Investors

Leading global ETF performers evolved in 1Q17 that reflected, in part, the markets’ changing assessment of Trump’s ability to implement his election promises Source: Ted Carmichael Global Macro The first quarter of 2017 is in the books, so it’s time to review the performance of our global ETF portfolios. The quarter kicked off with the inauguration…

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Why the Refinancing Slowdown Matters for the Fed

The Fed is expected to slow down their purchase of agency mortgage-backed securities thanks to the refinancing slowdown Source: The Wall Street Journal The Federal Reserve has been buying up fewer mortgage bonds in recent months thanks to a flameout of the American refinancing boom, one factor that economists say is likely to help shape Fed…

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Wattpad, Wealthsimple and Overbond Join The Upside Foundation’s 150×150 Challenge to Canadian Startups to Give Back

 Over 75 Canadian startups have already pledged to donate equity to charity. TORONTO, ON, April 4, 2017 — Today The Upside Foundation, a national charity that makes it easy for early-stage or high-growth Canadian companies to give back in a meaningful way, announced the launch of their campaign, 150×150: Turn Equity Into Charity. The campaign…

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