Total mortgage originations are forecast to decline 25% in 2014
Some activities may be shifted to non-bank subsidiaries
Firms to be subject to tougher oversight
Big firms would have to maintain a tier 1 capital leverage buffer above the minimum Basel III requirement
Outlook remains negative
The American economy is expected to grow in 2014, but speed bumps remain that could slow the recovery
But a failure to raise the debt ceiling “in a timely fashion” would prompt a review
There are multiple issues to be concerned about when investing south of the border. But, on the plus side, dividend payments are expected to increase despite the slew of extra and advance dividend payments as of yearend 2012
Policy uncertainty remains leading into fiscal cliff discussions
Spending cuts and tax increases totaling US$700 billion are set to take effect in January