Market Insights

Flagging consumer confidence points to recession

A recession may be on the horizon, according to Julia Coronado, chief economist for North America at BNP Paribas.

By Staff |September 2, 2011

1 min read

Plug into diversified utilities

What sector can investors turn to for relative safety and yield? According to our analytics team, Utilities—more specifically, Diversified Utilities—is a wise choice at this time.

By Chip Brian |September 1, 2011

3 min read

Alpha’s residual nature

In my last article, “The true cost of beta,” (June 2011), I noted that a portfolio manager’s return is made of two components: beta and alpha. Alpha is the extra return generated through manager skill above the return accounted for by the risk premium of the underlying factors the portfolio is exposed to. Alpha is a rare and fleeting commodity that fetches a higher price if it’s sustainable in the long run. Alpha is what is left after we’ve accounted for the beta portion of a manager’s return — it’s a residual value.

By Guy Lalonde |September 1, 2011

5 min read

IIROC rules target bond, OTC markets

The Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada is taking steps to address fair pricing in the fixed income market, as well as in other securities traded over the counter.

By Staff |September 1, 2011

2 min read