The current economic crisis has called into question the adequacy of the global financial system, and only a complete re-think of financial rules and institutions will protect the markets from an eventual repeat, according to an expert. Speaking at Toronto’s Design Exchange on Monday, former U.S. Treasury secretary Robert Rubin said the current volatile environment […]
Short selling, the origins of the current financial crisis, and the role of hedge funds were all on the menu at the Alternative Investment Management Association’s luncheon at the Toronto Hilton on Tuesday. An expert panel consisting of David Picton, president of Picton Mahoney Asset Management, Eric Sprott, CEO of Sprott Asset Management, and Peter […]
Cautious optimism is growing amongst participants and observers of the asset-backed commercial paper (ABCP) market saga after Friday’s refusal of the Supreme Court of Canada to hear a challenge by a group of investors to the restructuring plan. Daryl Ching, vice-president of Canadian Hedge Watch and a structured finance consultant, says the outcome is particularly […]
The Supreme Court of Canada has dismissed a challenge to the restructuring plan for the country’s frozen asset-backed commercial paper (ABCP) market, clearing the way for the restructuring of the $32 billion market. A collection of investors led by Jean Coutu Group had asked to court to hear their appeal, arguing the restructuring plan tabled […]
As another Wall Street brokerage falls and worries about one of the world’s largest insurers grow, money managers can only watch and guess as to the whereabouts of the market bottom. Comparing the events of the last few days to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the dot-com crash, and the devaluation of the Russian ruble, […]
Plan sponsors and money managers fielding panicked calls by plan members should be investing in continuous education efforts to keep their clients focused on long-term goals, according to experts. “It’s too late to say anything now,” says Zainul Ali, a senior asset consultant with Towers Perrin. “Plan sponsors should have been talking to their members […]
The imminent departure of the first wave of baby boomers from the workforce will offer clues about the adequacy of that generation’s saving habits, and plan sponsors will likely base their future decisions on the events of the next few years, says a pension expert. “The boomers are coming off a legacy of spending, and […]
While the new tax-free savings account (TFSA) was well-received by the financial industry, the majority of Canadians have no idea what it is, according to a survey. With the product’s launch date just a few months away, plan sponsors have their work cut out for them devising communication strategies to help their members take full […]
Canadian income security benefit programs are fragmented and disorganized and have resulted in disparate delivery of benefits to workers with disabilities, according to a study. The Institute for Work & Health’s Disability Income Security Benefits for Working-Age Canadians report describes a patchwork of provincial, federal and private benefits programs which are uncoordinated and sometimes work […]
Ontario will soon have a new pricing scheme that will halve costs for certain generic drugs for plan members. Proponents say similar programs abroad have produced enormous savings and resulted in better access to drugs, and observers overwhelmingly agree the scheme is a great deal—for the government of Ontario. Commencing Oct. 1, Ontario’s Competitive Agreements […]