Economic Indicators

Small business hiring lags

Small businesses cut their payrolls less sharply than medium or large firms during the economic downturn, but they have been slower to ramp up hiring again, according to a Scotiabank Global Economic Research Special Report.

By Staff |January 11, 2013

1 min read

U.S. investors more confident

The U.S. Vix index, which tracks investor expectations towards market volatility, has tumbled to a five-and-a-half year low, reports ft.com. This means investors may be less fearful, and more confident in their options. The low Vix also reflects the fact that central banks are seen as backstopping financial markets, lessening demand for downside protection, added […]

By Wire services |January 10, 2013

1 min read

Sharp decline in Canadian business confidence

Continuing uncertainty about the global economy and measures the United States might take to deal with its budget deficit has pushed net optimism among North American CFOs in the fourth quarter of 2012 to its lowest level of the year, shows the Deloitte CFO Signals survey. The decline was particularly large in Canada, where net […]

By Staff |January 9, 2013

2 min read

Why investors should be optimistic about 2013

Last year was a hard one for investors. But with 2012 behind us, here are some reasons investors can be optimistic this year.

By Staff |January 8, 2013

2 min read