This morning, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released an almost shockingly poor monthly jobs report, showing that the U.S. economy only achieved a net gain of 74,000 jobs in December, the worst monthly tally in 3 years, and undercutting even the most pessimistic analyst projections. The huge miss (versus consensus… Read More

Employment data are notoriously volatile from month to month, but we’re still disappointed by the US and Canada’s dismal December jobs reports. Read More

A member of the Trust Mutual Funds segment of the How They Rate coverage universe has been absorbed by another fund, and we have four upgrades as well. Read More

True to CEO Joseph Randell’s word, Chorus Aviation Inc (TSX: CHR/B, OTC: CHRVF) has raised its dividend in the aftermath of its arbitration win in its long-running dispute with Air Canada (TSX: AC/B, OTC: AIDIF). Read More

In a break from history, Canada’s export economy is not gaining steam along with a resurgent US. But high-quality Canada-based businesses with significant US exposure may be exceptions to lukewarm 2014 norms in the Great White North. Read More

Crescent Point Energy Corp (TSX: CPG, OTC: CSCTF) offers a solid dividend, growing production and locked-in revenue through hedging. Bird Construction Inc (TSX: BDT, OTC: BIRDF) is in bounce-back mode as it continues to build its backlog. Read More

Overall, the Portfolio underperformed major benchmarks. But our Conservative Holdings outperformed the S&P/TSX Composite Index, and we’ve taken steps to make the lineup stronger for the long haul. Read More

Economic indicators in Canada and the US seem to point in opposite directions, though a broader look suggests the pattern of lumpy, jagged and unsatisfactory recovery in the aftermath of the profound 2008-09 global shock continues. Read More