Advocacy for a second Caisse de dépôt
An article in La Presse features Sebastien Betermier’s research that reveals the superiority of Canadian pension funds. Using the Canadian pension funds as a model for success, the article proposes a second institution be introduced in Quebec for employees of cities and universities.
The Canadian Pension Fund Model: A Quantitative Portrait
Authors:Alexander Beath, Sebastien Betermier, Chris Flynn, Quentin Spehner
Published: July 21, 2020. Available at SSRN
Abstract:
Banks turn to selfies to simplify identity verification
Banks have turned to selfies for facial recognition to help simplify identity verification methods. Professor Mo Chaudhury joins Bank Innovation to discuss the prospects and risks of facial recognition technology in mortgage applications.
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Canada is a global leader in pension funds
Canada’s pension funds are outperforming global peers in investment performance and are stronger at hedging against liability risks, according to research co-authored by Professor Sebastien Betermier.
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Potential insider trading following landmark Kodak loan
In July, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) provided a $765 million loan to support Kodak’s transition from photo giant to producing drugs for the U.S. domestic market. The first loan of its kind under the Defense Production Act, it is not surprising that ensuing events have hinted at the possibility of illegal insider trading, writes Professor Patrick Augustin.
How large investment firms impact financial markets
The mergers and acquisitions of major asset management firms send shockwaves through the financial market, says Assistant Professor David Schumacher.
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The politics behind the stock market
Professor Sebastien Betermier weighs in on the link between politics and stock returns, noting that while there is indeed a correlation, buying shares as a political statement isn’t a “sound investment strategy”.
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U.S. states facing financial hardship need unity
As the pandemic takes its financial toll on states across the U.S., Professor Patrick Augustin suggests that compromise and unity from the federal government could provide a lifeline for those facing economic harship.
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Desautels professors celebrated for their teaching excellence
Congratulations to Sebastien Betermier, Professor of Finance, and Wei Qi, Professor of Operations Management, who were honoured at McGill’s Management Convocation ceremony for their excellence in teaching.
Delve: Insider Trading by Congress? It's Time to Fix the Law
The “coronavirus trades” made by Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.) and his wife just prior to the March ’20 market crash raise these questions and signal the need for changes to the law. Some proposals go as far as banning stock trading by members of congress outright. The other extreme is to allow full discretion.
Business schools to lend a hand in economic recovery
Isabelle Bajeux-Besnainou, Dean of the Desautels Faculty of Management, looks at how business schools are providing community outreach to reduce the economic burden of COVID-19.
Read more in L'actualité
COVID-19 reveals European Union in discord
The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed economic weaknesses in some EU countries, with the stronger members reluctant to provide assistance.
Professor Patrick Augustin warns of the economic storm ahead if the EU does not reach solidarity.
Read more in Fortune
Insider trading by Congress reveals need for policy change
Trading by members of Congress shortly before the March 2020 market crash signals the need for policy change. In an op-ed for The Hill, Professor Patrick Augustin calls for a policy that only allows public officials to trade securities based on broad market indices.
Professor Sebastian Betermier on sustainable investing
Professor Sebastien Betermier sits down with the McGill Reporter to talk about sustainable investment strategies. According to Professor Betermier, progressive divestment strategies offer the best of both worlds for investors: they create positive environmental change while respecting the needs of all stakeholders.
Desautels professor Sujata Madan receives prestigious 3M National Teaching Fellowship
Professor of Practice Sujata Madan was named one of ten 2020 3M National Teaching Fellows—the highest recognition of individual teaching excellence and educational leadership at the university level. The Fellowship is jointly managed by the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE) and 3M Canada.
