Mike’s Midweek Comment

Surprise! BOC Raises Rates Unexpectedly

Most analysts were surprised by the rate hike coming in September. The Bank of Canada has now reversed the two big rate decreases in 2015. It has also given itself some room to drop rates if it becomes necessary in the future.

…also special note from Michael: Is Greed The Root Of All Evil

 

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Hurricane Harvey Triggers Oil Market Chaos

 The most serious threat to the energy industry is hurricane damage to refineries including the largest refinery in the US. Damage to pipelines & storage means lengthier outages than many hoped. 3% growth in the US raises expectations for higher US rates while 19 Countries in Europe still have negative interest rates. 

….also from Michael: Creeping Socialism Creates Demand For Safe Spaces

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Mid-Week Update: Trump Says NAFTA’s a Bust

 

Posturing or reality? We’ve just finished the first week of NAFTA negotiations and already Trump is saying no deal will be reached. Two of the worlds biggest companies team up to take on Amazon.

…also from Mike: Illegal Asylum Seekers Costing Taxpayers

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“NAFTA Fatally Flawed

 

The Americans come right out of the gate talking tough on NAFTA, not a good sign for what Canadians have come to understand is a critically important agreement for Canada. That said the numbers look better for Canada than for Mexico. Apple announces they are going to spend a Billion on streaming video, meaning the 76 Billion being spent on TV ads is going to get split even further as these transformative technologies continue coming down the pike. 

…also from Michael: The Iron Clad Stupidity of a Soft Drink Tax

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North Korea – Uncertainty & Underlying Strength

Mid-Week Update: The stock market shakes off North Korean uncertaintly & hits new highs this week, so do markets that refuse to go down want to go up? Tesla in the news bringing focus onto electric cars and the future of Oil & Gas. Geopolitical uncertainty triggers movements in the US Dollar & Gold.

….also from Michael: You, Your Investments & Isaac Newton’s 3rd Law

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