Monday morning briefing: Spotlight on global manufacturing
What 2020 may look like for the retirement plan market. What customers consider when changing banks. Why growth in family offices may continue. And much more in this week’s briefing.
Economic/industry news
U.S. unemployment rate was unchanged in December: U.S. creates 145,000 jobs in December as hiring slows and wage growth softens
The Canadian unemployment rate was lower in December: December caps Canada’s second-best year for jobs since 2007
Possible investment themes to watch for in 2020: 10 hot investment themes for 2020
MSCI introduces 15 corporate bond indexes: MSCI introduces its first bond market indexes
The time is now for fiscal policy: Monetary policy no longer the best tool for supporting economic growth
How to position a portfolio for the upcoming year: Portfolio positioning in 2020
Chart of the week – Spotlight on global manufacturing
Global trade uncertainty has impacted many facets of the global economy, especially manufacturing. Manufacturing has seen a sharp slowdown around the world, which has negatively impacted economic growth. Major manufacturing nations, including the U.S., Canada, Japan, China and Germany, have all experienced weakness in this sector. Given the partial U.S.-China agreement announced near the end of 2019 manufacturing could experience a rebound and support stronger economic growth in 2020.
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Used with permission of Bloomberg Finance L.P.
News and notes (U.S.)
Agecroft’s predictions for the hedge fund industry in 2020: Top hedge fund industry trends for 2020
Hedge funds had strong performance in 2019: Hedge funds just saw strongest year since 2009, but lag stock market
Do poorer returns correlate with size?: Don’t blame bigger funds for disappointing private equity returns
Platinum Equity raises US$10 billion: Platinum Equity becomes latest PE heavyweight to raise $10B fund
What 2020 may look like for the retirement plan market: 2020 outlook for Plan Advisors
Mutual fund sales and performance over the past two weeks: Mutual funds scorecard: January 7 edition
News and notes (Canada)
Canadian underwriting grew in 2019: Canadian securities issuance rose in 2019
Risks to the Canadian economy: BoC governor says protectionism, housing market are risks
Looking at the delivery of investor disclosure documents: CSA launches consultation on investor disclosure
Canadian ETFs had $28 billion of inflows in 2019: ETFs outsell mutual funds for second straight year
On the pulse – New frontiers in fintech
What may be next for banks, credit unions and fintechs: Why fintech challengers may not conquer banking after all
What’s in store for the fintech industry: Ten years of fintech megatrends for the next decade
Technology forecast for 2020: 2020: A decade in technology
What customers consider when changing banks: The 4 things that matter most to consumers in selecting a new bank
Changes may be coming to the digital economy: Why the digital economy is set for a correction
YieldStreet partners with Citi to offer access to private credit markets: Citi partners with YieldStreet to offer investment opportunities to the masses
Many U.K. Millennials are using challenger banks: 1 in 3 millennials say their primary bank is a challenger
High-net-worth topics
Why growth in family offices may continue: Opportunities abound within the family office space
How the wealthy can protect their portfolios during times of geopolitical tensions: Tiger 21 founder addresses on Fox Business how to protect your portfolio from geopolitical risks
Polls & surveys – What financials are saying
The personality of an ETF investor (IFIC): ETF investors: well-informed and independent
How advisors can differentiate themselves (Morningstar and Mercer): 5 ways advisors can stay ahead of the competition