Monday morning briefing: The inverted yield curve
A new way to analyze equity investment funds. Why smaller could be better for private equity. Many aspiring investors don’t know how to get started. And much more in this week’s briefing.
Economic/industry news
The Fed held its federal funds rate steady: Fed holds rates steady and indicates no changes through at least 2020
Canadian and U.S. consumers in much different positions: U.S. consumers buoy global economy, while Canadians face debt
A new way to analyze equity investment funds: Morningstar launches a new framework to analyze equity funds
Why advisors need to frequently review their pricing structure: Advisors need to regularly reassess their fees, TD Exec says
The need to cross boundaries to drive growth: Investment managers must cross boundaries, says Deloitte
Chart of the week
In late August, the two- and 10-year yield curve inverted, seeing its spread dip into negative territory. This inversion was brought on by concerns about the global economy in response to escalating U.S.-China trade tensions. This sparked fears that a recession was imminent as was the case with previous inversions. While the global economy has been sluggish, the U.S. and China appear to be closing in on a phase-one trade deal that might help reignite global growth. According to a recent report by Goldman Sachs, the possibility of a recession in 2020 is low. Will we see a recession in the next year or two? Or, will a recession be avoided and slow growth continue? Let us know what you think.
Used with permission of Bloomberg Finance L.P.
News and notes (U.S.)
Hedge funds rose 0.84% in November: Eurekahedge Hedge Fund Index up 0.84 per cent in November
Conversation with Stephen Schwarzman: Stephen Schwarzman doesn’t stop: An exclusive Q&A with Blackstone’s chief
Why smaller could be better for private equity: The truth about private equity fund size
A look at some year-end financial planning tips: Sixteen year-end financial planning tips
Remembering Paul Volcker: There’s the legend of Paul Volcker and the man I got to know
News and notes (Canada)
How Canada may benefit from the new USMCA: ‘A really good deal for Canada’: Former ambassadors on new NAFTA
Looking to eliminate redundancies in investor disclosure documents: IFIC asks CSA to reconsider fund disclosure rules
BoC Governor will not seek a second-term: Bank of Canada says Poloz will not seek a second term as governor
The potential impact from a higher tax-exempt basic personal amount: How the federal tax cut will impact clients
On the pulse – New frontiers in fintech
Banks should disrupt themselves before others do: How banking can avoid being disrupted in 2020 … disrupt themselves
Why partnerships are key for traditional and challenger banks: The growing trend of ecosystems within financial services
Preparing for augmented analytics: Augmented analytics: Are you ready?
Driving growth through new technology: Wealth manager using technology to drive next phase of growth
A look at the possible risks posed by BigTech firms entering the financial services industry: Rise of the machines: BigTech poses risks to financial system, FSB says
Helping businesses manage receipts: Metro Bank trials digital business receipts
High-net-worth topics
Why family offices should take a deeper look at sustainable investments: As high-net-worth families shift wealth to the next generation, family offices should lean in on sustainable investments
A look at the blockchain-related investments available to high-net-worth investors: Blockchain investment opportunities for HNW clients
Polls & surveys – What financials are saying
Many aspiring investors don’t know how to get started (IIROC): Aspiring investors don’t know where to find advice: survey
A look at Americans’ top financial priorities next year (Fidelity): Here are Americans’ financial goals for 2020: Fidelity