Articles
Price Discovery: A Brief Overview of the Role of Liquidity in Pricing
Liquidity shapes the valuation and pricing of nearly every asset - real estate, commodities, derivatives, credit to even public equities – liquidity is an important measure in calibrating an equilibrium price. Economics and Policy Editor, Rishab Chakraborty, explores an overview of the role of liquidity in each asset class, and explores many effective price discovery mechanisms and means of measurement. He delves into an overview of the conceptual regulatory, economic, and commercial barriers and promises of liquid markets.
Modern Slavery and Canada’s Workforce
In this editorial, QBR Economics & Policy Editor Tomas Serrano delves into the deep flaws within Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program, revealing how it has become a tool for exploitation under the guise of addressing labor shortages. Originally intended to fill gaps in the workforce, the program has been co-opted by firms seeking to cut costs, leaving foreign workers vulnerable to abuse and Canadian workers grappling with rising unemployment. Serrano examines the power imbalances, lack of protections, and systemic failures that have drawn comparisons to modern slavery. Despite recent reforms, the government’s efforts have fallen short of addressing the mistreatment of foreign workers and the broader economic implications. This article is a compelling call to action for meaningful change to uphold workers' rights and restore integrity to Canada’s labor market.
The Ozempic Economy: Revolutionizing Society One Injection at a Time
Drugs like Ozempic are revolutionizing society, with the potential to alleviate the $173 billion burden of obesity on the U.S. economy while reshaping workplace productivity and consumer spending. Senior Economics and Policy Editor Gefen Shpil examines the broader economic impacts of GLP-1 drugs, from their role in driving Denmark’s unprecedented growth through Novo Nordisk to the challenges of accessibility and corporate benefits policies. This article explores how this pharmaceutical breakthrough could redefine global health and economics, while cautioning against the risks of over-reliance on a single industry.
Open Banking: A Framework for Fintech Innovation
In this editorial, QBR Economics & Policy Editor Rishab Chakraborty discusses how information in the realm of financial services, markets, and intermediaries has traditionally been tightly regulated in a closed loop. This differs from traditional software, where consumer and behavioral data from non-financial institutions is typically unregulated in its use. However, with Open Banking reform coming to Canada’s regulatory data framework, we can see an uptick in innovation in the Canadian fintech space.
The Art of the SPAC
In this new article, QBR Sr. Advisor Joshua Cristofoli explores how SPACs are challenging the traditional IPO process, giving businesses a quicker route to the public markets and altering the financial landscape.
Eat the Rich or Stomp Out the Little Guy: A Roadmap to Capital Gains
In a detailed guide to the recent changes to Canada’s capital gains inclusion rate as part of the 2024 Federal Budget, Senior Economics and Policy Editor Gefen Shpil outlines the impact such changes would have on individual investors, Canadian industries, and the economy. This article seeks to uncover just how many Canadians will be impacted by the changes and, most importantly, whether the Liberals are truly targeting the “ultra-rich”.
The Race to a Perfect EV: Investigating Chinese Development and the Road Ahead
In this new article, QBR Editor Tomas Serrano investigates China's rapid advancement in the electric vehicle (EV) industry. The article explores how substantial government support and innovative manufacturing have positioned China as a leader in EV development, despite challenges in global market penetration due to high tariffs and ethical concerns. Serrano contrasts China's progress with the slower growth in Western markets, emphasizing the impact of political and infrastructural uncertainties. As the world shifts from gas-powered cars to EVs, this analysis provides insight into the future of sustainable transportation and the lessons the West can learn from China's approach.
Go Movies or Go Home?
Owen Milstone explores how piracy threatens entertainment industries by diverting revenue from legal sources. Despite high spending by companies like Netflix, rising costs and labor disputes worsen the issue. The tragedy of the commons applies, where individual benefit outweighs collective harm, leading to widespread piracy. It affects TV, movies, music, and sports, impacting artists and athletes.
Universal Basic Income: The Key to the Economy of the Future
In this editorial, Tomas Serrano dives into the push for universal basic income (UBI) as a solution to poverty and income inequality has gained traction globally, especially in light of job displacement from advancements in AI. In Canada, bill S-233 seeks to establish a national framework for UBI, inspired by historical experiments like Manitoba's MINCOME.
Despite concerns about abuse, inflation, and costs, supporters argue that UBI could provide a safety net, aid workforce reintegration amidst automation, and foster a society where individuals pursue passions.
The Mistiming of Creation and Destruction During AI Innovation
Eric van Remmen discusses how Artificial Intelligence (AI) reshapes industries and job markets, drawing parallels with historical instances of creative destruction. It highlights the potential risks and societal impacts of AI's rapid advancement, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to address these challenges and ensure societal resilience.