This SDN takes stock of the current debate on the capital regulation of banks. The focus will be on the level of capital (other aspects such as contingent capital and the quality of capital have been covered in previous SDNs). It analyzes the pros and cons of higher capital requirements, and will conduct analyses to support the case for higher capital requirements, while highlighting areas where more work is needed to get more granular policy advice.

The recent global crisis highlighted the risks stemming from real estate booms. This has generated a growing literature trying to better understand the sources and the risks associated with housing and credit booms. This paper complements and supplements the previous work by (i) exploiting more disaggregated data on credit allowing us to dissociate between firm-credit and household (and in some cases mortgage) credit, and (ii) by taking into account the characteristics of the mortgage mark...

PRAISE FOR BONDS FOR CANADIANS"Andrew Allentuck is one of the premiere financial journalist covering fixed income markets from a uniquely Canadian perspective. His knowledge of the bond market is second to none."--Randy LeClair, CFA, Vice-President & Portfolio Manager, AIC Investment Services Inc."Andrew Allentuck's new book explains the complexities of the bond market to Canadians in an engrossing and deliciously entertaining manner. Superbly written, Bonds for Cana...

The April 2014 Global Financial Stability Report finds that, despite much progress, the global financial system remains in a transitional period with stability conditions far from normal. Advanced and emerging market economies alike need to make a successful shift from liquidity- to growth-driven markets, which will require a number of elements, including a normalization of U.S. monetary policy; financial rebalancing in emerging markets; further progress in the euro area integration; and c...

The Global Financial Stability Report (GSFR), published twice a year by the IMF, provides timely analysis of developments in mature and emerging market countries and seeks to identify potential fault lines in the global financial system that could lead to crisis. The GFSR aims to deepen its readers’ understanding of global capital flows, which play a critical role as an engine of world economic growth. Along with the IMF’s semiannual World Economic Outlook, the GFSR is a key vehicle for the I...

Straight Talk and solid retirement advice for all CanadiansIn the face of government changes, financial market volatility, and an aging workforce, Canadians are understandably concerned about the impact on their finances and their future retirement. This reassuring book debunks the generally-accepted claims about necessary savings rates, which can cause paranoia among those beginning to contemplate retirement. The authors offer greater insight into planning approac...

The definitive report on what caused America's economic meltdown and who was responsible. The financial and economic crisis has touched the lives of millions of Americans who have lost their jobs and their homes, but many have little understanding of how it happened. Now, in this very accessible report, readers can get the facts. Formed in May 2009, the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission (FCIC) is a panel of 10 commissioners with experience in business, regulations, economics, and housing...

Tax-Free Savings Accounts are the most powerful investment option for Canadians since the introduction of RRSPs more than a half-century ago. They offer an opportunity for even modest-income earners to amass a small fortune over time— and perhaps even attain millionaire status. But they have to be managed properly.Gordon Pape wrote the first book on TFSAs ever published in Canada, and it became a huge bestseller. Now he’s back with a completely revised and updated edition to help y...

Tax-Free Savings Accounts are a revolutionary new way to save money. Financial expert Gordon Pape explains how you can get started building your tax-free investments. The Ultimate TFSA Guide is an indispensable book that will help you meet your financial goals with the best savings program since the introduction of RRSPs. Pape provides the latest information and clearly explains everything you need to know about Tax-Free Savings Accounts, including: - The best TFSA investments - How to cho...

Your Guide to Every Tax Break the IRS Allows! HUNDREDS OF TIPS AND TECHNIQUES TO PRESERVE YOUR INCOME THROUGH EXCLUSIONS, CREDITS, DEDUCTIONS, SHELTERS, AND SMART INVESTMENTS!". . . the IRS's worst nightmare."--The New York Daily NewsEverything You Need to Know to Benefit from the New 2009 Tax LawTotally updated for 2010, How to Pay Zero Taxes lays out the simple, practical, and proven strategies that save you money at tax time...

Retirement is one of the most decisive financial and personal decisions people make. Leaving a career for the unknown is risky, and timing is an issue in the decision of when to access registered savings. To help make sense of the confusing business of retirement, financial journalist Andrew Allentuck explains how to navigate Old Age Security, Canada and Quebec Pension Plans, Registered Retirement Savings Plans, tax-efficient investments, and more to build wealth for retirement.

Ask Your Mortgage Broker is based on real-life stories and hard-earned experience that Blair Anderson has collected over the last nineteen years of his career as a mortgage broker. It illuminates the residential mortgage brokerage industry in Canada. This book is an exposé of the industrys history, utilitarianism, and best-kept secrets. It is a must-read for every existing or potential homeowner and it meticulously debunks the myths about mortgage brokers that are designed to mislead you. ...