Topic: How To Invest

What is Pat's commentary for the week of May 29, 2012?

Article Excerpt

Few investors seem to have noticed that the U.S. dollar has moved up in the past month from $0.98 Cdn. to $1.03 Cdn. Obviously, there is a large random element in the difference in value between any two currencies, and shifts of up to 5% or more happen all the time. But this could be the start of a move that could last for years. It could add an additional 10% to 20% or more to the U.S. dollar premium over the Canadian dollar. The gain in the U.S. dollar reflects the fact that the economic fundamentals seem to be shifting in favour of the U.S. In the past few years, Canada has gained on the U.S. in economic desirability. The Harper government has focused on improving Canada’s trade relations, cutting the deficit and spurring economic growth. In contrast, the Obama administration has focused on expanding U.S. entitlement programs, while making plans to raise taxes and expand the reach of U.S. regulators…