�㽶��Ƶ News - Desautels Faculty of Management

Making strategic assets available to pension funds would encourage more domestic investment

webfull — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 19:02:27 +0000

Canadian pension funds have a mandate to deliver steady pension payments to millions of plan members, writes Professor Sebastien Betermier in Benefits Canada. But that’s easier said than done, and the most cost-efficient way to deliver is by investing in a globally diversified portfolio tilted toward strategic assets. This type of asset, however, isn’t available in Canada, so pension funds look for them elsewhere.

Published: 18 December 2024

US expansion plans head south for Quebec’s Autobus Lion

webfull — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 18:52:25 +0000

In 2023, the Quebec electric vehicle maker Autobus Lion opened a $150 million truck manufacturing facility in Illinois, but its expansion into the United States has not gone according to plan. Much of its 900,000 square foot facility sits empty, and the company is sub-leasing the space. Now, the company is on the brink of bankruptcy and working with investors to determine if it can be salvaged.

Published: 18 December 2024

‘Welcome tax’ helps Quebec cities generate their own revenue

webfull — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 18:48:12 +0000

In 2022, Quebec’s so-called ‘welcome tax’ generated more than $1.4 billion for municipalities, with Montreal alone pulling in more than $410 million. Though it sounds like a penalty for new arrivals, its name is actually derived from former Quebec cabinet member Jean Bienvenue, who tabled the bill proposing the tax; Bienvenue’s surname translates into English as ‘welcome’. These municipal-level real estate transfer taxes can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, and property buyers must pay within 30 days of closing their purchase.

Published: 18 December 2024

MIPC 2024: Students tackle global finance challenges with innovation and leadership

webfull — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 18:43:26 +0000

The McGill International Portfolio Challenge (MIPC) 2024 was held in November and drew a record 99 teams from 47 universities across 17 countries, cementing its reputation as a premier global finance competition. This year’s focus on building inclusive retirement systems for gig workers and those facing income uncertainty sparked innovative solutions from participants. A standout addition was the inaugural Women in Buy-Side Panel, addressing gender disparities in finance.

Published: 18 December 2024

Exploring ethics in aviation: Highlights from the 2nd annual Business Ethics Conference

webfull — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 19:24:47 +0000

The Laidley Centre for Business Ethics and Equity (LCBEE) hosted its second annual Business Ethics Conference on November 15 at McGill, focusing on "Ethics in the Aviation Industry." Over 80 attendees participated in panels exploring sustainability, accessibility, and social responsibility.

Published: 13 December 2024

Crypto ETFs: Mitigating fraud risk through regulated institutions

webfull — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 19:12:36 +0000

Cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs) allow investors to hold a variety of cryptocurrencies in a single investment product. While all of Canada’s Big Six banks now include some crypto ETFs in their portfolios, these investments represent only a small fraction of their holdings. A major advantage of ETFs is their ability to offer protection from market volatility. However, given the speculative nature of crypto means it can still be extremely volatile, even within an ETF structure.

Published: 11 December 2024

Healthy snacks make good business sense

webfull — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 19:04:02 +0000

A 2022 study by researchers at McGill Desautels revealed that when shoppers were offered a promotion that gave them a choice between a healthy snack and a pastry with their coffee, sales of healthy snacks increased by more than 1000%.

Published: 11 December 2024

IMHL grad Colleen Timm named to leadership position at �㽶��Ƶ Health Centre

webfull — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 19:01:12 +0000

Colleen Timm (MSc’97, IMHL'21) has been appointed to a four-year term as Associate President and Executive Director of the �㽶��Ƶ Health Centre. The graduate of McGill’s International Master’s in Health Leadership program has worked at MUHC for more than 23 years, first as a speech-language pathologist and most recently as Director of multidisciplinary services.

Published: 11 December 2024

For many restaurant diners, GST Holiday won’t amount to much

webfull — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 18:59:34 +0000

With inflation pinching household budgets, the Government of Canada has introduced a temporary two-month GST holiday on select goods and services.. While restaurant meals are included, diners are unlikely to notice much of a difference, says Yu Ma, Associate Professor of Marketing at McGill Desautels. On a $20 restaurant tab, the 5% GST amounts to only one dollar. "I don't know how many people will notice the change in their final bills," Ma told CTV News.

Published: 11 December 2024

Donald Trump’s counterparts learned best practices during his first term

webfull — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 18:55:39 +0000

Donald Trump has imposed 25% tariffs on Canadian steel before and also lifted them. And then imposed them again. The on-again, off-again tariff truce cycle has played out in multiple industries, and Canada can expect more incendiary rhetoric on trade in a second Trump term, writes Professor Vivek Astvansh in The Conversation Canada. So how should Canada engage with Trump’s theatrical approach to politics? “Ideally, leaders talk to each other and resolve disagreements,” says Astvansh.

Published: 11 December 2024