Author: Alexander Lee

The Canadian real estate market has experienced a sluggish summer despite recent interest rate cuts. Calls have been made within the industry to reconsider the stress test, a tool used to determine mortgage qualification. Christopher Alexander, president of Re/Max Canada, is among those advocating for the stress test’s elimination. Introduced in 2017 in anticipation of rising interest rates, the stress test requires borrowers to prove their ability to afford payments at a qualifying interest rate, typically higher than the actual rate in a mortgage contract. The stress test mandates borrowers to qualify for a mortgage at a rate of 5.25…

Established in 1966, the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) is designed to provide a portion of income for retirees in Canada. All Canadian residents contribute to the CPP, with a maximum annual contribution amount of $3,867.50 in 2024. Contributions are made throughout one’s working life, leading to a monthly income in retirement. The average CPP payout for a 65-year-old in 2024 is $816.52, with a maximum payment of $1,364.60. However, due to the increasing cost of living in major Canadian cities like Toronto and Vancouver, the average CPP payout may not be sufficient for a comfortable retirement. To supplement their pension…

The upcoming presidential election in Sri Lanka is shaping up to be a contest between the established political elite and a leftist organization that has undergone significant transformation, once known for its involvement in armed uprisings. Candidates are competing for the position of overseeing an economy that is in need of significant reforms. While the incumbent, Ranil Wickremesinghe, has engaged in agreements with the International Monetary Fund to support the nation’s recovery following a debt default, his chances of winning are not guaranteed due to his controversial austerity measures that have made him unpopular. Alongside facing challenges from other prominent…

A shift towards defensive shares, combined with supportive government policies, is driving a resurgence in the attractiveness of underperforming Chinese health-care stocks. The MSCI China Health Care Index saw a significant 23% decline this year, but signs of improved sentiment are now emerging. Recent measures implemented by Beijing to bolster the sector, along with expectations of Federal Reserve interest-rate cuts, provide potential for a rebound as the index trades near a record low in comparison to global peers. “We maintain a positive outlook on quality players in specific sub-sectors such as medical equipment and drug innovation within the China health-care…

One fundamental rule of investing is to focus on investing in areas where you have a strong understanding. It is essential to avoid investing in businesses that you do not comprehend fully. Renowned investor Warren Buffett, for example, refrained from investing in technology for an extended period because he did not feel he understood it well. Nonetheless, he still managed to achieve success through the power of compounding. For individuals who are new to the technology sector but are interested in investing in artificial intelligence (AI) stocks, it is important to know where to start. AI is a highly complex…

Canadian energy company Enbridge (TSX:ENB) has adjusted its financial outlook for 2024, raising its full-year profit forecast but reporting lower-than-expected profits in Q2. The company now expects its EBITDA to fall between C$17.7 billion to C$18.3 billion, compared to the previous range of C$16.6 billion to C$17.2 billion. In Q2 2024, Enbridge posted adjusted earnings of C$1.2 billion, or $0.58 per common share, down from C$1.4 billion ($0.68 per common share) in the same period in 2023. The company’s stock opened trading at C$51.75 per share. Enbridge’s president and CEO, Greg Ebel, cited strong operational performance and customer demand as…

Looking for insights on summer trends and stocks to watch during the summer season? Allan Small, a senior investment advisor at the Allan Small Investment Group with iA Private Wealth, recently joined Coreena Robertson in a video discussion about market trends and stock activity during the summer months. Small delves into technology trends like artificial intelligence and how summer vacations can impact investors. He also touches on specific technology companies like Apple, Tesla, Google, and Meta, as well as chip makers such as Nvidia and AMD. Furthermore, he highlights the importance of considering companies like Google and Amazon in the…

Investing in stocks that are trading at a significant discount to their intrinsic value has the potential to generate substantial gains for investors over the long term. It is essential to identify a diversified portfolio of undervalued stocks that can be acquired at a favorable price point to benefit from strong returns when market sentiment improves. Here are three undervalued Canadian stocks that present compelling investment opportunities: 1. High Tide is a retail-focused cannabis company valued at $240 million. The company operates a network of brick-and-mortar stores and an e-commerce platform, with a significant presence in North America. Despite challenging…

Dividend stocks remain a popular choice among investors on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) due to the potential for passive income. However, not all dividend stocks are equal. When selecting dividend stocks for passive income, several factors must be considered beyond just the dividend yield. Factors such as payout ratio, dividend history, financial health, and growth prospects are crucial in making informed investment decisions. In this analysis, we will compare two companies, referred to as Capital Power (TSX:CPX) and TC Energy (TSX:TRP), to determine which may be a better investment for passive income on the TSX. First, Capital Power currently…

Tilray Medical has received approval for a new medical cannabis extract in Portugal, known as Tilray Oral Solution THC10:CBD10 or Tilray Solução Oral THC10:CBD10. This approval follows the previous approval of Tilray Medical whole flower THC 18 and the first cannabis extract in Portugal earlier this year. For further details, you may refer to the full story here. In the realm of cannabis news, Herbal Dispatch has announced record revenue and positive net income, Curaleaf has unveiled plans for New York retail expansion with two new medical dispensaries, and Beboe is making waves in New York’s cannabis scene with premium…