Same Buffer, Different Take

Same Buffer, Different Take

We recently mentioned that the US regulators have asked the large banks to comment on a proposal to recalibrate—and most likely lower—what is called the supplementary leverage ratio. The supplementary leverage ratio determines the extra capital buffer large banks have...
Annoying Context

Annoying Context

One of the most annoying things about economic indicators is that they need context. A number does not make sense on its own. You also have to know where it is coming from, whose perspective you’re taking, and why. So, when we tell you that the yields on 30-year...
The Yellow Speech  or the Green Speech?

The Yellow Speech or the Green Speech?

In the seminal Danish movie The Celebration (1998), a family and guests are gathered for the 60th birthday of the patriarch, Helge. Christian, the oldest son, gives Helge the choice between the yellow and the green speech. Helge chooses the green one, which turns out...
Shall We Swap Caterpillars?

Shall We Swap Caterpillars?

Naturally, the answer to this imperative question is always a resounding yes. Banks are special. Though there are many reasons for this, we would venture the opinion, that how they are impacted by interest rates is probably the most important one. There is hardly a...
Regretful Readiness

Regretful Readiness

The Canadian Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) just released its Annual Risk Outlook. The outlook lists the top risks faced by the Canadian financial system and the actions OSFI is taking in response. Words like geopolitical turbulence and...