Monday morning briefing: Volatility spikes
Is a global recession on the horizon? Encouraging the high-net-worth to buy amid volatility. The PE industry can benefit from AI. And much more in this week’s briefing.
Economic/industry news
Canada’s GDP grew 0.3% (annualized) in Q4: Canada’s output stalls as exports and business investment drop
U.S. economic growth was 2.1% in Q4 19: U.S. economy grew at 2.1% rate in Q4 but virus threat looms
PRI reporting deadline quickly approaching: PRI reporting deadline: A race to the finish line in 2020
The benefits of staying private: Why more businesses are choosing to stay private
M&A can help portfolios in volatile markets: Turning M&A deals into a stable source of returns
Is a global recession on the horizon?: How the coronavirus could help “push the world to the brink” of recession
Chart of the week
The number of cases of COVID-19 around the world is rising, and the VIX Index has spiked to reflect he uncertainty this has caused. Countries such as South Korea, Italy and Iran experienced a jump in confirmed cases, and there are over 83,000 confirmed cases of Covid-19 across the world. Major global indices are now in negative territory for the year. Clinical trials of a potential drug to combat the virus are underway, but those trials may not be completed for another month. How deep will losses extend? Let us know what you think.
Used with permission of Bloomberg Finance L.P.
News and notes (U.S.)
Hedge funds rose 0.07% in January: Hedge funds off to a weak 2020 start as COVID-19 outbreak weighs on global growth outlook
Looking to allocate more assets into alternative investments: Health-care systems want more alternative assets. But can they get them?
A bitcoin ETF is unlikely in 2020: SEC quashes dreams of bitcoin ETF with another rejection
JPMorgan Chase looking to address climate change: JPMorgan to stop financing arctic drilling, coal mining
Franklin Templeton launches three thematic ETFs: Franklin Templeton joins thematic ETF party with three new funds
Schwab to purchase fixed income SMA firm: Schwab to buy $10.5B RIA focused on fixed income
News and notes (Canada)
Sun Life launches five private pools: Sun Life launches new private pools
Mackenzie introduces new small- and mid-cap fund: Mackenzie launches new mutual fund
Harmonizing rules for crowdfunding: CSA floats enhanced Canadian crowdfunding rules
How the new mortgage stress test could impact banks: Report sounds alarm over softer mortgage stress tests
On the pulse – New frontiers in fintech
How to choose the best fintech partner: A vetting guide for banks mulling fintech partnerships
Ensuring a successful digital transformation: How to avoid digital transformation failures in banking
The PE industry can benefit from AI: How AI can bring new insight to private equity deals
Cybersecurity starts in the C-Suite: The c-suite and cyber security: taking the blame and taking action
New technology can help solve climate change: How to use technology to solve climate change and cloud waste
The BoC looking at a digital currency, just in case: Bank of Canada to create its own digital currency as ‘contingency,’ deputy says
High-net-worth topics
Encouraging the high-net-worth to buy amid volatility: Advisors to rich pitch equities, private markets after plunge
The vacation destinations for the young high-net-worth: How the young and rich are now spending their vacations
Polls & surveys – What financials are saying
Executives in the U.S. anticipate a higher tax liability in 2020 (BDO): Most businesses expect their taxes to go up this year: survey
Most people don’t like talking about money (FP Canada): Let’s not talk about sex – or money