The oil price crash of recent weeks has triggered a wave of huge exploration and production capital expenditure cuts
Lack of appetite to invest in the energy sector is leading the world into a supply crunch, says the International Energy Agency (IEA) in its recently unveiled World Energy Investment (WEI) 2020 report. The COVID-19 pandemic is having widespread and often dramatic effects on investments in the energy sector. At the start of the year,…
The development of online stock trading in recent years has spurred an increase in do-it-yourself (DIY) investing. This means people managing their investment portfolios themselves through discount brokerages and internet trading platforms, rather than employing traditional full-service brokerages to manage them. While this type of investing has its advantages, especially in terms of costs, it…
Discovery Lab assists spin-outs, start-ups, and companies find the support and expertise needed to launch, grow or rethink their plans
The day was like a Dragon’s Den for clinical scientists. Most of the nine presenters to a recent Discovery Lab advisory panel devoted decades to their investigations for the betterment of society. The forum for academics, start-ups, and entrepreneurs was co-founded by Michael Overduin and Cameron Smithers from the University of Alberta where 150 companies present…
There’s been a significant drop in investment across 10 of the 15 major sectors of the Canadian economy, and the federal government is to blame
By Niels Veldhuis and Ashley Stedman The Fraser Institute Canada has massive investment potential. We have an abundance of natural resources, one of the most highly-educated populations in the world, and reside next to the world’s most successful economy. We’re also among the freest countries in the world, with freedom of religion, assembly, movement and…
An ETF is a low-cost mutual-like fund that trades on the stock market, with a significantly different fee structure
Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) seem to be all the rage. There are more than 600 ETFs traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange and it seems like new ones are being created almost every day. An ETF is basically a diversified investment pool that’s very similar to a mutual fund, with the exception that they’re sold or…
Each investor is unique in their goals and personal risk tolerance, so their investment portfolio should be customized to their situation
You worked hard for your money and, in turn, your money should be working hard for you. However, when comparing returns, you need to be sure you’re making a fair comparison. Investors often compare their returns to that of a published benchmark such as the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), or to the returns their friends…
Investors often purchase investments that don’t suit their intended time frame. Do your homework, know your risk tolerance and be clear on your expectations
When it comes to comparing your investment returns to others, make sure you’re comparing the exact period and investment transactions. Published returns for any investment are based on a single investment over a given period. This isn't the way most people invest, so their returns are often much different than the published numbers. The timing…
Be smart, shop around and make sure you’re aware of the total fees you pay and what you're getting for them
Some fees for investments are hidden, some are visible. But there’s always some type of fee or cost involved in investing. Some people will disagree with my broad use of the word fee, but I believe that any money paid out, regardless of how it’s paid, is a fee. Every business sets out to make…
Using debt in your financial planning is a good strategy, but exercise caution and discuss all the risks and rewards with your accountant and planner first
Debt is often a four-letter word – but, when used correctly, it can be a real benefit to your financial planning. Most of us use debt when we buy a home, a second property, automobiles and other large purchases. We simply don’t have enough cash available to do otherwise. Many people are very comfortable using…
Keep in mind that, despite new disclosure rules to increase transparency, the fee shown on your investment report may not be the total fee you paid your adviser
When comparing your investment returns to that of others or those you see published, selection and timing are two critical issues. Make sure you’re comparing apples to apples: that you’re weighing similar investments. Each investor has their own risk tolerance and objectives. What’s right for your friend, neighbour or family member may not be right for…