Embrace the Alternative
In the world of finance, investors are constantly searching for new sources of information that could help them generate alpha. Many of them have recently turned to alternative data. But what, exactly, is alternative data? And why should investors (and those seeking a career in finance) care about it? On February 17, 2021, the Professional Development Committee at CFA Society Toronto convened a panel discussion to demystify the alternative data industry. Alexandra Zvarich, representing the committee, questioned the panellists about insights they could share, and how to prepare for a career in this area. “We worked with alternative data before […]
Taking Stock
As the covid-19 vaccines continue to be rolled out across the world, how can central banks best counteract the impact of the pandemic? Now might be a good time to pause and reflect on the economic response in Europe. Zanny Minton Beddoes, the editor-in-chief of the magazine the Economist, sat down for an interview with Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank (ECB) on February 10, 2021, to reflect on the challenges Europe faces as it tries to restart its economy while protecting the health of citizens. Lagarde noted the ECB was praised for its quick response in the early […]
From Ideas to Action
Climate change will reshape how financial organizations and investors think about climate-related events. But how will we deal with climate change risk? How will financial organizations respond to increasing demands for transparency, measurement, and action? On February 2, 2021, the Institutional Asset Management Committee of the CFA Society of Toronto convened a webinar with three seasoned experts who discussed how best to move into a world of green initiatives. The session was opened by Brandon Gill, Senior Portfolio Manager, Capital Markets Group, External Public Investments and Credit at OPTrust, the pension trust fund of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union. […]