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Tag: ETFs

  • Responsible investing is growing in Canada. Which ESG factors matter most? – MoneySense

    Responsible investing is growing in Canada. Which ESG factors matter most? – MoneySense

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    According to the 2023 Canadian Responsible Investment Trends Report, released on Oct. 26 by the Responsible Investment Association (RIA), the answer is yes: investors continue to prioritize responsible investing, and more growth is expected as local and international reporting standards improve. Survey responses are from Canadian institutional asset managers and asset owners who answered questions in mid-2023. The data shared paints a picture of the industry on Dec. 31, 2022. Here are some highlights from the report.

    About half of assets under management are invested responsibly

    With $2.9 trillion of assets under management in responsible investments (RI) in Canada, this is no small industry. And while this number is a slight decrease from the previous year, that’s a product of market conditions: it actually reflects a higher proportion of all Canadian professionally managed assets than in 2021, and RI’s market share has grown from 47% to 49%.

    Responsible investing is a risk management strategy

    You might think the main motivation for anyone choosing responsible investing is what’s in the ESG acronym: environmental, social and governance factors. And while those are definitely important—14% of survey respondents said their organization’s primary reason for choosing RI was to fulfill its mission, purpose or values—there are many other factors at play. One of the big ones? A common goal for any type of investment: minimizing risk and maximizing value.

    In fact, 35% of organizations surveyed said that minimizing risk over time was their primary reason for choosing responsible investing, and a further 41% ranked it second or third. And 61% said that improving returns over time was one of the top three factors influencing their choice to prioritize ESG investments.

    Another issue that mattered to many respondents was fiduciary duty—their obligation to maximize their clients’ returns—which 26% listed as their organization’s primary motivation.

    Which ESG factors do organizations consider? All of them

    The risks facing our society due to climate change are top of mind for Canadians, and the investors here are no exception. This year, 93% of respondents said that greenhouse gas emissions were a factor they considered in their investment decisions, an increase from 85% in 2022. Climate change mitigation and climate change adaptation were the other top environmental factors mentioned by respondents, at 84% and 76% respectively.

    Top social factors mentioned by respondents include equity, diversity and inclusion (81%), human rights (76%), labour practices (76%), and health and safety (71%). The governance factors that respondents deemed significant included board diversity and inclusion (87%), executive pay (71%) and shareholder rights (70%).

    Many strategies make for comprehensive decisions

    Organizations surveyed use a number of tools to help themselves include ESG factors in their decision-making. These three topped the list:

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    Kat Tancock

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  • Altcoins Eclipse Bitcoin’s ETF Momentum in the Current Crypto Rally

    Altcoins Eclipse Bitcoin’s ETF Momentum in the Current Crypto Rally

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    Altcoins have managed to outshine the allure of Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) in recent months. The resurgence of risk appetite and the promise of double-digit yields are driving traders towards alternative digital assets.

    ETFs are investment vehicles that allow investors to gain exposure to a diversified portfolio of assets, such as stocks, bonds, or commodities. They are traded on stock exchanges, making them accessible to a broad range of investors. In contrast, altcoins are a category of cryptocurrencies other than Bitcoin. Prominent examples include Solana, XRP, and Chainlink, each with its unique features and use cases.

    In recent days, major altcoins like Solana, XRP, and Chainlink have experienced substantial double-digit gains, attracting traders seeking high returns. The enthusiasm for these digital assets has led to an increase in leverage, as analysts observe traders borrowing funds to amplify their investment positions.

    Altcoins: Advances And Market Activity

    The week has seen notable surges in the prices of several major altcoins. Solana, a blockchain platform known for its high-speed and low-cost transactions, has garnered significant attention. Alongside it, XRP, the digital currency associated with Ripple, and Chainlink, an oracle network, have also demonstrated remarkable price increases.

    Source: Bloomberg and CoinShares

    Investors have poured funds into Polygon and Cardano, as indicated by CoinShares data, showing an influx of $800,000 and $500,000, respectively, in the past week. Solana, in particular, has seen substantial net buying, with Coinbase leading the way. Data reveals that 2.2 million Solana tokens were market-purchased between October 18, coinciding with the start of the rally, and Nov. 6.

    As the market breadth of the crypto rally improved and a probable end to the Federal Reserve’s rate-hiking cycle offered a more supportive environment for risky assets, investment advisory firm ByteTree hinted at the early innings of an “alt season” – a prolonged phase of the wider altcoin market outpacing Bitcoin’s price.

    Total crypto market cap at $1.3 trillion on the 24-hour chart: TradingView.com

    Bitcoin’s Enduring Appeal And ETF Enthusiasm

    While altcoins enjoy renewed interest, Bitcoin remains a steadfast choice for investors. This enduring appeal is partly attributed to the recent dip in bond yields while still maintaining relatively high levels. Noelle Acheson, the author of the ‘Crypto is Macro Now’ newsletter, suggests that the sustained enthusiasm for ETFs contributes to Bitcoin’s continued attraction.

    However, it’s important to exercise caution when it comes to ETF optimism. Craig Erlam, a senior analyst at Oanda, highlights the importance of considering broader macroeconomic conditions. Investors are currently grappling with hawkish commentary from central banks worldwide, contrasting with pessimistic economic expectations and speculations surrounding potential rate cuts in the coming year.

    Market Insights

    As investors rekindle their interest in altcoins, the cryptocurrency market’s dynamics are evolving rapidly. Double-digit yields and the promise of significant returns have lured traders back into the altcoin arena. While ETFs remain a favored investment avenue, the crypto space is once again proving its resilience and potential for high-growth opportunities.

    It’s important to note that this renewed altcoin fervor is not without risks, and investors must remain vigilant in the face of shifting macroeconomic conditions and evolving central bank policies. In this ever-changing landscape, the appeal of altcoins, like Solana, XRP, and Chainlink, shows that cryptocurrency’s allure is far from fading, promising continued excitement and opportunities for savvy investors.

    Featured image from Shutterstock

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    Christian Encila

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  • Making sense of the markets this week: November 5, 2023 – MoneySense

    Making sense of the markets this week: November 5, 2023 – MoneySense

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    Both hardware and software continue to siphon profits from all over the world back to the U.S.A. and into shareholders’ pockets. No big surprises.

    Air Canada and Cameco fly high

    Air Canada was so confident in its profits this quarter that executive vice-president of network planning and revenue management Mark Galardo stated:

    “We see relatively strong demand for (the fourth quarter) in almost every single geography that we operate in, in almost every single segment that we operate in. […] We’re not seeing any major slowdown at this point in time.”

    Canadian earnings highlights

    Three very different Canadian companies saw quite different quarterly results this week.

    • Air Canada (AC/TSX): Earnings per share of $2.46 (versus $1.60 predicted). Revenue of $6.34 billion (versus $6.09 billion estimate).
    • Cameco (CCO/TSX): Earnings per share of $0.32 (versus $0.13 predicted). Revenue of $575 million (versus $718 million estimate).
    • Nutrien (NTR/TSX, NYSE): Earnings per share of USD$0.35 (versus $0.65 predicted). Revenue of USD$5.37 billion (versus $5.74 billion estimate).

    Despite Air Canada’s results, share prices closed down slightly on Monday, as shareholders appear skeptical that the good times can continue. You can read more about investing in Air Canada at MillionDollarJourney.ca.

    Cameco’s quarterly report didn’t dive into operations too deeply, but instead it focused on the bigger picture for nuclear energy. President and CEO Tim Gitzel stated:

    “Increasing average global temperatures and the fires and floods that are becoming more and more frequent can’t be ignored. The evidence continues to point to our carbon-based energy systems as a key contributor to the problem. This has led to electron accountability and proposals by countries and companies for achieving net zero targets taking center stage. And today it’s clear, achieving those targets does not happen without nuclear power. That itself is a notable difference, but it goes even deeper. This time policymakers are not shying away from proposing nuclear as a key part of their energy mix, some even reversing their previously anti-nuclear stance.”

    Despite the positive long-term view and substantial earnings beat, share prices were nearly flat on Wednesday, closing at $56.88. That said, the stock is up about 10% this week, as we go to press.

    Nutrien’s bad quarter can be chalked up to the volatile price of potash. (Nutrien is a Canadian company based in Saskatoon, but trades on the New York Stock Exchange and reports in U.S. dollars.) As an almost pure play on the resource, Nutrien’s stock generally rises and falls with supply and demand in that single market. It’s similar to the dynamics behind an oil producer.

    With more potash products from Russian and Belarus slipping through the sanctions net and onto the world market, Nutrien’s brief period of market dominance is at its end. That said, the share price didn’t move much this week, so it appears the market somewhat anticipated the bad news. It rose 2.3% to USD$55.39 at the close Thursday. 

    The U.S. Fed tones down hawkishness 

    The U.S. Federal Reserve continues to be the predominant market mover. 

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    Kyle Prevost

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  • Galaxy Digital and Invesco Bitcoin Spot ETF Join BlackRock On The DTCC

    Galaxy Digital and Invesco Bitcoin Spot ETF Join BlackRock On The DTCC

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    In a recent development, another proposed Spot Bitcoin ETF has been listed on the Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation’s (DTCC) website, becoming the second proposed Spot Bitcoin ETF to appear on the corporation’s website. 

    BTCO Joins IBTC On DTCC Website

    The Invesco Galaxy Bitcoin ETF under the ticker ‘BTCO’ recently appeared on the DTCC website, joining BlackRock’s spot Bitcoin ETF, which goes under the ticker ‘IBTC’ as uncertainty around a possible approval of these funds continues to heighten. 

    Source: DTCC website

    Many had speculated an approval was imminent when BlackRock’s IBTC was earlier listed. However, the optimism has sort of cooled off following a recent revelation by a spokesperson for the financial services company. The representative clarified that the listing of these ETFs was simply “Standard Practice” and that it doesn’t indicate any potential approval by the SEC. 

    An ETF expert had also weighed in and stated that DTCC’s listing didn’t mean anything in the grand scheme of things regarding a possible approval of Bitcoin ETFs by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Going by this, the DTCC listing only suggests that these asset managers are preparing just in case they get approved by the SEC

    Such preparations also include asset managers BlackRock and VanEck recently revealing their plans to begin seeding for their respective funds. While such a move doesn’t guarantee that the SEC is likely to approve these funds anytime soon, it, however, shows the optimism of these firms that their Spot Bitcoin ETF will launch sooner or later. 

    Valkyrie Joins The Spot Bitcoin ETF Amendment Train

    In a post shared on his X (formerly Twitter) platform, Bloomberg analyst James Seyffart noted that the asset management firm Valkyrie had joined the “prospectus amendment train” with the latest filing of their revised Spot Bitcoin ETF prospectus. Valkyrie joins the likes of ARK Invest, BlackRock, Fidelity, and Bitwise, who have also filed amendments to their prospectus. 

    Seyffart happens to be one of those who believe that these amendments could mean something. ARK Invest was the first asset manager to amend its prospectus, which led Seyffart and fellow Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas to predict that the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) could approve a fund as early as next year.

    Meanwhile, it is worth mentioning that the SEC has so far not said anything regarding Grayscale’s application despite the Commission opting not to file an appeal. But that could change soon as ETF enthusiast and prominent financial lawyer Scott Johnsson said that the Commission is set to have a closed meeting on November 2; its first since the Grayscale deadline expired, and one of the agenda for the meeting includes resolving litigation claims. 

    Bitcoin price chart from Tradingview.com (Spot Bitcoin ETF)

    BTC price hovering above $34,400 | Source: BTCUSD on Tradingview.com

    Featured image from iStock, chart from Tradingview.com

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    Scott Matherson

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  • Making sense of the markets this week: October 29, 2023 – MoneySense

    Making sense of the markets this week: October 29, 2023 – MoneySense

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    IBM’s business is split into two key divisions: IT consulting and software. The latter is the primary revenue driver. The software unit generated $6.27 billion revenue, up 8% versus the consulting division, generating $4.96 billion in revenue, up 6%. Like many tech companies, IBM’s software division is also investing in AI to drive future growth.

    Amazon

    Amazon announced record third-quarter profits after the close Thursday and surged 5% Friday morning (at press time) after strong growth in its highly profitable Cloud business. While the stock was up 40% on the year, shares had fallen 8% in the previous two days after rival Alphabet warned that cloud customers were curbing spending. 

    Growth is growing…

    While North American bank stocks answered the question about how the economy is fairing, technology stocks answered questions about growth. The big message with tech is that growth is still there, and it will continue to be going forward. In today’s market, investors looking for growth need to own at least a few big-cap tech stocks. These companies are becoming the consumer staples of tomorrow. That includes stocks from companies like food and grocers and utilities that ground portfolios. That’s because, when the market dips, people still have to buy food and heat their homes. In today’s digital age, the technologies we’ve been talking about are embedded in our everyday lives and are poised to continue to grow.

    Bank of Canada pauses interest rate hikes 

    The general consensus going into the week was that Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem would push the pause button on another interest rate hike. And that’s exactly what he did on Wednesday. Even though interest rates didn’t go up another quarter point—which was the plan—the damage has been done. Some Canadian investors and the markets worry that another rise in interest rates could increase the pressure on individual households and businesses, ratcheting up the fear and likelihood of a recession. 

    Source: Bank of Canada

    The Bank of Canada (BoC) itself was under a lot of pressure from provincial premiers to hold off on a rate hike precisely for these reasons. That’s despite not being closer to the 2% inflation target the BoC has set its sights on. For me, though, the question has always been: Is 2% a realistic target? And even if it is, how much pain is the BoC willing to inflict on the economy to achieve it? 

    Personally, I’d rather see a 3% inflation rate target, along with strong employment and healthy consumer spending, over targeting 2% inflation and lost jobs and a recession. Some analysts are predicting that the recession that was expected this year will take hold next year.

    I’m surprised we’re here, in the third week of October, still talking about interest rate hikes. I thought by now the central banks would have stopped relying on them so heavily. The Bank of Canada has raised interest rates 10 times since March 2022.

    It’s interesting that both the BoC and the U.S. Federal Reserve keep referencing the lag effect between when a rate hike is implemented and when its effects show up in economic data. Yet, neither specify just how long this can and/or should take. How do we know if the hikes are working? Are they willing to blow everything up because we’re stuck on 2% inflation? 

    When you have the cost of borrowing tripled, in some cases because of all these interest rate hikes, I have to wonder whether the BoC is sending an inadvertent message to Canadians: “You are living beyond your means. You’ve enjoyed a run of many years of low interest rates, where money was basically free with no worry about what happens later, when the cost to carry debt rises. The days of high interest are here now for the foreseeable future.”

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    Allan Small

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  • Coinbase Exec Uses The Law To Back Why SEC Should Approve A Spot Bitcoin ETF | Bitcoinist.com

    Coinbase Exec Uses The Law To Back Why SEC Should Approve A Spot Bitcoin ETF | Bitcoinist.com

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    Coinbase’s Chief Legal Officer, Paul Grewal has recently used the law to back the approval of a Spot Bitcoin Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), highlighting that the US regulator should fulfill its responsibilities.

    Coinbase CLO Optimism On The Approval Of A Spot BTC ETF

    In an interview on Friday, with CNBC’s Arjun Kharpal, Paul expressed his optimism about the approval of Bitcoin ETF applications by the SEC. The Coinbase CLO said that he is quite confident that the SEC will soon approve a spot Bitcoin ETF, backing his belief under the law.

    “I’m quite hopeful that these [ETF] applications will be granted, if only because they should be granted under the law,” Paul stated.

    Following the interview, Paul highlighted his beliefs in the early success of approval, noting that the firms that have stepped forward with well-structured ETF proposals for these products and services are crucial players in the financial service industry.

    I think that the firms that have stepped forward with robust proposals for these products and services are among some of the biggest blue chips in financial services. So that, I think, suggests that we will see progress there in short order.

    However, Paul did not give a time frame as to when the approval will happen since the final decision about the approval ultimately lies with the SEC. However, he is still confident that the US regulator is likely to approve a Bitcoin ETF in a short period due to recent developments.

    Paul further backed his optimism following the SEC’s recent court setback when a judge from the US Court of Appeals stated that the US regulator had no grounds to deny Grayscale’s approval to convert its Grayscale Bitcoin (BTC) into a spot Bitcoin ETF, calling the SEC’s decision an arbitrary move.

    “I think that, after the U.S. Court of Appeals made clear that the SEC could not reject these applications on an arbitrary or capricious basis, we’re going to see the commission fulfill its responsibilities. I’m quite confident of that,” Paul stated.

    BTC breaks above $29,800 | Source: BTCUSD on Tradingview.com

    In addition, Paul also highlighted the SEC’s failure to file an appeal on the ruling indicating a potential approval of a spot BTC ETF soon within the stipulated timespan that was given to them by the court.

    If an approval of a Spot ETF is made, BTC could experience a major rally. A Bitcoin ETF serves as a means for investors to invest in BTC without having to make a direct purchase of the digital asset from an exchange. 

    One of the major cryptocurrency exchanges that will benefit a lot from any Bitcoin ETF approval is Coinbase. This is because the crypto exchange’s common stock is held in portfolios tailored to give investors exposure to cryptocurrencies.

    JPMorgan On A Spot Bitcoin ETF Approval

    Analysts from JPMorgan, have also expressed their optimism on a Bitcoin ETF approval, that the ETF product could be available to the public by this Christmas.

    Due to recent developments following the approval of a Spot Bitcoin ETF, the financial giant believes that there is a high chance that an ETF could gain approval before January 10, 2024.

    In addition, analysts from Bloomberg also believe that there is a 90% chance that a Bitcoin ETF will be approved next year.

    Featured image from Forkast News, chart from Tradingview.com

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    Scott Matherson

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  • Taking an active approach to ETF investing in Canada – MoneySense

    Taking an active approach to ETF investing in Canada – MoneySense

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    Although ETFs are often considered instruments for passive or index investing, actively managed ETFs are on the rise. If U.S. investment trends are a bellwether for what’s in store for Canada—and they often are—then active ETFs may have a bright future here.

    In the U.S., the share of ETF inflows that went to active ETFs in the first half of 2023 was about 30%, more than double the amount for all of 2022. A decade ago, active ETFs accounted for just 2.3% of fund inflows. How does the growth of active ETFs compare to that of passive ETFs? In the first half of 2023, passive ETFs grew at an organic rate of 3%, while active ETFs grew much quicker, at a rate of 14%. They’re gaining popularity in other global markets, as well. In Asia, active ETFs grew 78% in the first half of this year.

    Clearly, active ETFs are also attracting a lot of interest from investors. But how do active ETFs work, are they right for you, and how can you buy these ETFs in Canada for your registered retirement savings plan (RRSP)?

    The benefits of active ETFs

    In the investment world, there’s plenty of debate over which management style—active or passive—is better for investors, but both have their merits. If active ETFs fit your investment objective, time horizon and strategy, they could offer you the following benefits:

    1. Opportunity to invest in specific strategies: Active funds could offer investors a convenient way to invest in a certain sector or implement a particular investment strategy. While this can be achieved with passive ETFs too, the active ETF option could be used by investors who want to try to outperform the index in a particular sector.
    2. Possibility of outperforming the market: Although passive ETFs typically have lower fees than active ones, some investors are unsatisfied with simply getting market exposure; they want to outperform the market, which is primarily what active ETFs try to do.
    3. Easy to buy and sell: ETFs offer greater flexibility of trading intraday than mutual funds. You can buy and sell ETFs on a stock exchange anytime during trading hours. Also, unlike mutual funds, you’ll know the purchase or sale price of the ETF units when you place the order.
    4. Downside protection: Active ETF managers can prepare for or react to market events, including corrections and crashes. Unlike with an index fund, which mimics what the index itself does, the manager of an active ETF may increase their cash or fixed-income holdings in anticipation of a market downturn. In doing so, they attempt to limit their investments’ decline in value.

    Because of the above features, active ETFs could be the “core” portion of an investment portfolio (and, if held inside a registered account such as an RRSP, your investments can grow on a tax-deferred basis). Active ETFs could also form part of a “core and explore” portfolio in which passive ETFs could be the core. As the “explore” part of the strategy, active ETFs could be used to explore a particular sector or to attempt to outperform a market index.

    How to buy Fidelity Active ETFs

    If you decide that active ETFs are suited to your portfolio and investment style, there are two ways to access them.

    • A financial advisor: Financial advisors can access Fidelity’s ETFs and add them to their clients’ investment portfolios. A financial advisor can help you decide whether active ETFs are a good fit for your portfolio, which one(s) to buy and how much to invest.
    • An online brokerage: For self-directed investors who don’t work with an advisor, Fidelity’s ETFs are available through most online brokerages (also known as “discount”  brokerages). When logged in to your online brokerage account, search for the ticker symbol of the ETF you’re searching for—as you would search for a stock.

    In investing, one size doesn’t fit all. While some investors may prefer a passive-only portfolio of ETFs, others may want to implement specific strategies with the potential for higher returns. Also, many investors do both—hold passive ETFs as well as experiment with active options.

    Learn more about Fidelity Active ETFs.

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    Aditya Nain

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  • Making sense of the markets this week: October 22, 2023 – MoneySense

    Making sense of the markets this week: October 22, 2023 – MoneySense

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    Finally, A&W Revenue Royalties Income Fund (AW/TSX) reported earnings roughly in line with shareholders’ expectations. Share prices barely moved on Wednesday when it was announced that royalty earnings were up 5.4% in year-over-year comparisons. Perhaps the only thing juicier than the Papa Burger is its current dividend yield of 6.26%.

    Have you heard? The Canadian Financial Summit is free: 

    In case you missed it, the Canadian Financial Summit is taking place RIGHT NOW!  Don’t miss out FREE sessions with familiar faces from MoneySense (see below). Registering for the Summit is exactly $0, and you can click here for more details.

    Jonathan Chevreau 

    The Personal Finance Book Hall of Fame

    After reading every new book on the Canadian personal scene for several decades, (as well as writing a few himself), Jonathan Chevreau led an all-encompassing discussion on the best personal finance books ever written. He talks about books written exclusively for Canadians, as well as those written for international readers. We’ve got classics, new takes, lesser-known gems, and best-in-class selections. Don’t miss this one if you love to get your info from written text.

    Michael McCullough

    Top Canadian ETFs for This Year and Beyond

    With so many ETF options available, it can be hard for investors to know what to put into their portfolios. MoneySense’s executive editor, Lisa Hannam, hosts as journalist Michael McCullough looks at the makeup of the ETF market. Hewill share, based on MoneySense’s ETF All-Stars Report, the ETF products Canadians could consider buying today.

    Allan Norman, MSc, CFP, CIM

    All your FHSA questions answered

    The first-home savings account is brand spanking new, and Canadians have questions. In the similar format of MoneySense’s popular Ask A Planner column, executive editor Lisa Hannam will ask Certified Financial Planner Allan Norman real questions from Canadians about the FHSA, from what it is to where to open this account.

    Lisa Hannam

    Personal finance trends to plan for in 2023 and 2024

    MoneySense executive editor Lisa Hannam and columnist Kyle Prevost work together on the popular column Making Sense of the Markets. It contextualizes headlines for Canadian investors, so together the duo will be looking at the headlines from the year and those to come, including interest rates, crypto (remember that asset?), employment, AI, GICs and so much more. 



    About Kyle Prevost


    About Kyle Prevost

    Kyle Prevost is a financial educator, author and speaker. He is also the creator of 4 Steps to a Worry-Free Retirement, Canada’s DIY retirement planning course.

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    Kyle Prevost

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