Budget suspends defence accruals and reduces benefits for retired civil servants
Flaherty predicts $2.9-billion deficit — or a balanced budget — this year
Significant disparities exist between American and Canadian consumers and how they spend their money
Although global airline stocks were once viewed as pariahs, they now are worth considering for clients' portfolios
But perhaps not so great for fixed-income
After a year of strong recovery in several world markets, fund portfolio managers are focused on continuing to benefit from the economic recovery. But there are significant soft spots
The current downward trend in gold bullion prices could continue, especially if the global economic recovery accelerates and political threats abate. But some pessimists expect bullion prices to rise due to concerns over unresolved issues in world markets
Excess capacity, combined with high unemployment, is keeping the CPI in check in the industrialized world. Europe, meanwhile, is flirting with deflation
Some fund portfolio managers are focusing on stock selection in this tough environment. However, commodity prices should start to improve in 2015 as growth in the global economy gains steam
Canadian investors can benefit from the anticipated rise of the U.S. dollar this year. But the picture is murky if your clients have exposure to European securities