EQ Bank’s Soaring Success Unveils New Avenues for Canada’s Banking Landscape

In a standout performance amid challenges faced by Canadian banks, EQB Inc, the digital banking standout, has witnessed a remarkable 50% surge in shares during 2023, outshining its larger counterparts. EQ Bank’s strategic focus on digital operations, sans physical branches, has proven to be a cost-effective strategy, maintaining its allure for investors seeking efficiency. The mid-sized bank’s solid 11.2% growth in adjusted net income in the last fiscal year has defied industry trends, positioning it as a beacon of success. With a keen eye on market share and a challenger bank mentality, EQ Bank’s acquisition of Concentra Bank and attractive mortgage products have sparked investor confidence. As the bank eyes small business expansion in 2024, its commitment to a superior digital experience and innovative offerings positions it as a dynamic force in Canada’s banking landscape.
Global Pension Systems Ill-Prepared to Deal with Demographic Changes

Life expectancy has declined in many countries due to COVID-19 pandemic, but pensions systems across the world has remained ill-prepared to deal with demographic changes as the ageing of societies continues to accelerate, according to a new report from Allianz.
Exclusive: Peru mines on power despite protests, though halt risk looms

Peru’s biggest copper mines have been able to maintain production despite road blockades, attacks and protests that have roiled the Andean nation for over two months and led to warnings of production halts, an analysis showed on Wednesday.
Analysis: From Meta to Microsoft, AI’s big moment is here

This week, chief executives across the sector packed earnings calls with mentions of the heavily hyped technology, which until recently existed more in the background than as a solid contributor to the bottom line.
Analysis: The hardest part is yet to come for gas-hoarding Europe

Europe faces a much tougher task to rebuild gas stocks next year compared with this winter, meaning energy bills are likely to stay high and governments could have to implement painful rationing measures they have so far avoided.
Analysis: Investors face dilemma as capital increases fill IPO void

Investors in European companies are being asked to plough money into a series of capital hikes as cash-hungry companies, including Swiss lender Credit Suisse , look to equity markets to repair their balance sheets and fund costly turnarounds.
Analysis: Markets sigh with relief after Powell speech, but more turbulence likely ahead

A rally in U.S. stocks and bonds powered ahead after a speech by Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell on Wednesday, but some investors believe a looming recession could cap gains in both asset classes.
Analysis: Cracks appear in Credit Suisse comeback plans

After months of reflecting, Credit Suisse’s chairman Axel Lehmann revealed an overhaul “to rebuild Credit Suisse as a strong … bank with a firm foundation, rock-solid like our Swiss mountains”. It did not take long for the first cracks to appear.
UAE says OPEC+ output cut was correct decision, no politics behind it

The United Arab Emirates believes that OPEC+ made the correct technical choice when it agreed to cut production and the unanimous decision had nothing to do with politics, energy minister Suhail al-Mazrouei said on Tuesday.
Analysis: Massive turnaround for stocks puts traders on alert for more volatility

An eye-popping turnaround in stocks may be less bullish than hoped for, with traders saying short-term hedging activity buoyed equities while leaving the market’s grim fundamentals unchanged.