Found 22 blog entries tagged as canada.

Happiness is banking with ATB.

The Top Economic Stories of 2020 Part 3 of 5


China has become, and will continue to be, a source of important economic news. From a trade war with the United States to its rapid economic recovery in the face of COVID to the signing of the The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), China continues to make large economic waves with ripple effects felt around the world, including Alberta.

Some of us on The Owl team are long enough in the tooth to remember when the big economic player and newsmaker in Asia was Japan. China was barely on the radar.

Fast forward to today, and even though…

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The Top Economic Stories of 2020 Part 2 of 5

Happiness is banking with ATB.

ATB Economics

Second only to the pandemic in terms of its negative impact on the Alberta economy in 2020 is the oil price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia.

Back in January 2020 before COVID was a household word, the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) forecast for the average price of a barrel of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude in 2020 was $US59. As of December 8, the EIA expects the 2020 average to come in just under $39. The price averaged $57 in 2019.

The demand destruction brought on by the pandemic is the main reason for the difference, but bad…

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The Top Economic Stories Of 2020 Part 1 of 5

Happiness is banking with ATB.

ATB Economics 

It’s that time of the year when we take a look back—from an Alberta perspective—at the top economic stories that took place over the previous 12 months. Each Owl this week will examine one story.

The full list, along with other observations about the year that was, are discussed in the latest edition of ATB’s The Future Of podcast hosted by our Chief Economist Todd Hirsch. The year-end edition can be found here and features commentary from energy guru Jackie Forrest.

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First up is the ongoing saga known as Brexit. Brexit (a combination…

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Canada And The United States

ATB Economics | November 3, 2020

US election day special

   

It’s election day for our American cousins so The Owl is taking a quick look at some of the economic ties that bind our two countries together.

Given that Alex Trebek is one of Canada’s many exports to the U.S., we thought we’d present the figures à la the game show Jeopardy that Trebek has hosted since 1984 (which pre-dates the Canada-US Free Trade Agreement by four years).

Category: Canada-US Trade
Clue: Canada’s largest export market
Answer (in the form of a question): What is the United States?
Canada…

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The Ripple Effects Of Lower Oil Production and Investment

ATB Economics | July 14, 2020


   

Between the pandemic and oil price crash, oil producers in Alberta have been compelled to cut both capital expenditures and production. This, in turn, means fewer jobs, lower exports, reduced demand for goods and services used by the oil sector, truncated government royalties and stunted economic growth overall.

In an effort to quantify the economic impact of the cuts, Statistics Canada released a study last week entitled “The Decline in Production and Investment in Canada’s Oil and Gas Sector and its Impact on the Economy.”

The study found…

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Happy Canada Day!

Canada Day, observed on July 1st, is a national holiday marking the anniversary of Confederation in 1867, when the British North America Act came into effect. It was originally known as Dominion Day until it was renamed in 1982.

 

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What Is A Housing Bubble?


A housing bubble means that there is an increase in demand but a decrease in supply. In this case, fewer houses are available compared to the number of people looking to buy.

What happens during a housing bubble?
When a housing bubble occurs, house prices increase significantly. The home that you thought was reasonably priced is now priced considerably higher.

Why does a housing bubble happen?
There are a few things that spark a housing bubble. However, all aspects will play a role in making the housing bubble happen. 

- The population increases significantly.
- Low interest rates to make homes more affordable or mortgage products that are extremely attractive to home buyers.
- Risk taking as a borrower.             …

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ATB Economics | June 11, 2020

COVID Cancels Most Cross-Border Road Trips

   

Official efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 combined with voluntary changes in behaviour have essentially halted recreational travel between Canada and the United States.

On March 18, Canada and the U.S. agreed to close the border to all non-essential discretionary travel as of March 21. Commercial traffic (including for work or study) was still allowed as well as the movement of essential workers. The agreement is set to expire on June 21, but it may be extended.

New Statistics Canada data* on the number of U.S. and…

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Genworth Canada Confirms It Will NOT Change Underwriting Policy to Match CMHC

 

June 8, 2020

 

TORONTO, June 8, 2020 /CNW/ - Genworth MI Canada Inc. (the "Company") (TSX: MIC) confirms that it has no plans to change its underwriting policy related to debt service ratio limits, minimum credit score and down payment requirements. One of the Company's competitors announced changes to their internal underwriting guidelines with respect to the aforementioned underwriting criteria on June 4, 2020. 

"Genworth Canada believes that its risk management framework, its dynamic underwriting policies and processes and its ongoing monitoring of conditions and market developments allow it to prudently adjudicate and manage its mortgage insurance…

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Kid Friendly Activities Around Canada

 


Canada has a substantial amount of fun and exciting activities for the whole family to enjoy. Below is only a portion of things you can do with the kids.

1. CN Tower, Toronto: is the tallest building in Toronto and a defining landmark, about to quite 550 meters. The CN Tower presents the Legends of Flight film in 3D. Its family-friendly display explores the history of flight; from the Wright Brothers manufacture of the primary ever plane to today’s jetliners and aircraft carriers.

2. Royal Tyrell Museum, Drumheller: If you've got a Dino enthusiast on your hands, then this can be the proper spot for you and your family. Your kids will like to obtain the $64000 fossils and bones that are still assault the…

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