The U.S. Federal Reserve policy statement this week drove most market movements – with the U.S. dollar, global bond yields, and equities all advancing – while precious metals and non-USD safe haven currencies were broadly lower. Once again all three major U.S. equity indices touched new highs, as did the…
Markets breathe sigh of relief
Gold, yen, U.S. treasuries, and other safe havens all declined this week, while the U.S. dollar and most global equity markets advanced after damage from Hurricane Irma, although devastating, was less catastrophic than feared and North Korea, for a time, held off from testing another missile (it was eventually launched,…
Hurricanes, nukes, and central banks shake markets
September didn’t waste any time reminding investors of its reputation as the worst month for markets. Just as Hurricane Harvey petered out, Irma took aim at the Caribbean and Florida. North Korea’s largest yet nuclear test sent investors scurrying for safe havens. Most equity indices sold off and gold jumped…
Economic data overpowers Harvey and Kim
This week began with Hurricane Harvey’s devastating floods in Texas rocking energy markets, and Kim Jong Un’s missile test through Japanese airspace rattling global markets in general. But a steady stream of much stronger than expected economic releases boosted optimism (especially in North America) and equities to solid gains, even…
Stormy weather
With a fairly quiet economic calendar, markets were expected to focus on speeches from Federal Reserve Chair Yellen and European Central Bank President Draghi for clues about plans for removing monetary policy stimulus. Instead, President Trump’s remarks at an Arizona rally rattled investors by thrusting trade and the looming government…
Tumultuous week globally roils markets
Markets began the week on an optimistic note as prospects of war between the U.S. and North Korea appeared to recede. Stocks advanced, volatility declined, and safe havens that rallied on last week’s fears – precious metals, treasuries, yen – all settled lower. But by mid-week, all heck broke loose.…
Bahamas Hosted Networking Social
SAVE THE DATE & RESERVE YOUR SPOT BAHAMAS HOSTED NETWORKING SOCIAL Taking Your Business International Monday, October 23th, 2017 (6:00 PM) With 12 Great Hosts to Help You Network Join our MetroActive hosts and members for an evening towards overcoming your personal and business challenges. Take advantage of individual business…
“Dear Leader” shakes markets out of summer doldrums
With second quarter earnings season winding down and little in the way of major new economic data, attention this week focused squarely on increasing tensions between North Korea and the United States. After the United Nations imposed its toughest sanctions yet against the North Korean regime, an exchange of bellicose…
Federal Department of Finance proposes tax measures affecting tax planning using private corporations
On July 18, 2017, Finance Minister Bill Morneau released draft legislation and other proposals, currently put forward for consultation, outlining changes with respect to tax planning using private corporations. The purpose of the proposed legislation is to close perceived loopholes and deal with tax planning strategies that are only available…
Soaring Loonie dampens S&P/TSX gains
For the first time in two years, the Canadian dollar climbed this week to above 80 cents U.S – powered by a strong economy, rising interest rates, and a weak U.S. currency. The Loonie’s strength weighed on Canadian stocks, pressing the S&P/TSX to a loss of 0.4%. South of the…