Investors anticipate low-carbon economy
As the renewable energy sector grows in leaps and bounds; pension funds, banks, investment companies, and insurance companies are waking up to the risk of devaluation in fossil fuel investments.
Delve: The Divided State of American Public Health
Even as the pandemic radically reshaped American life, the federal government failed to provide strong and consistent guidance about how best to manage this public health crisis. Not surprisingly, individual states diverged in what they chose to do, and when they chose to do it
Prevent members of U.S. Congress from trading individual stocks
Professor Patrick Augustin wades into the debate over the heated race to fill Georgia’s two Senate seats in a runoff and special election scheduled for January.
The upside of financial fragility
In two recent studies, Professor David Schumacher charts the rise of large asset managers and examines their effect on financial market stability.
Prime Minister Trudeau encourages Desautels finance class to stay positive
When Professor of Practice Sujata Madan noticed that her finance students seemed overwhelmed in the final weeks of a difficult semester, she recruited help from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and McGill’s Principal Suzanne Fortier, among others, to lift their spirits. The students left class with a renewed sense of optimism for a post-pandemic future.
Delve: Canada’s Pension Plan Is the Envy of the World, and Now We Know Why
A new study by Prof Sebastien Betermier is the first to use real data to do a quantitative analysis of asset allocation strategies and cost structures for hundreds of pension, endowment, and sovereign wealth funds across 11 countries. The results hold valuable lessons not only for financial planners, but also working Canadians dreaming of retirement.
The case for a long-term divestment strategy
Pressure is on the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) to divest from fossil fuel companies in support of Canada’s transition to a low-carbon economy. Professor Sebastien Betermier comments.
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Advocacy for a second Caisse de dépôt
An article in La Presse features Sebastien Betermier’s research that reveals the superiority of Canadian pension funds. Using the Canadian pension funds as a model for success, the article proposes a second institution be introduced in Quebec for employees of cities and universities.
The Canadian Pension Fund Model: A Quantitative Portrait
Authors:Alexander Beath, Sebastien Betermier, Chris Flynn, Quentin Spehner
Published: July 21, 2020. Available at SSRN
Abstract:
Banks turn to selfies to simplify identity verification
Banks have turned to selfies for facial recognition to help simplify identity verification methods. Professor Mo Chaudhury joins Bank Innovation to discuss the prospects and risks of facial recognition technology in mortgage applications.
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Canada is a global leader in pension funds
Canada’s pension funds are outperforming global peers in investment performance and are stronger at hedging against liability risks, according to research co-authored by Professor Sebastien Betermier.
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Potential insider trading following landmark Kodak loan
In July, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) provided a $765 million loan to support Kodak’s transition from photo giant to producing drugs for the U.S. domestic market. The first loan of its kind under the Defense Production Act, it is not surprising that ensuing events have hinted at the possibility of illegal insider trading, writes Professor Patrick Augustin.
How large investment firms impact financial markets
The mergers and acquisitions of major asset management firms send shockwaves through the financial market, says Assistant Professor David Schumacher.
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The politics behind the stock market
Professor Sebastien Betermier weighs in on the link between politics and stock returns, noting that while there is indeed a correlation, buying shares as a political statement isn’t a “sound investment strategy”.
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U.S. states facing financial hardship need unity
As the pandemic takes its financial toll on states across the U.S., Professor Patrick Augustin suggests that compromise and unity from the federal government could provide a lifeline for those facing economic harship.
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