Description: A landmark free trade agreement in now in place with the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). Canada is a part of this partnership, which also includes 11 other nations. Source: CBC Date: October 5, 2015 Video Link: http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Business/ID/2676667858/?page=3 Questions for Discussion: Explain the TPP free trade agreement? Which sectors benefit the most from this deal? Which… Read more »
Posts Tagged: Global Business Environments (pp125-127)
Oil can hit $20 a barrel – Goldman Sachs
Description: Top investment banker, Goldman Sachs, broached the possibility that the value of oil can drop to as low as $20 a barrel. If price of oil does reach that low, it will be the lowest it has been in the last 13 years. Source: The Globe and Mail Date: September 11, 2015 Video and… Read more »
Bank of Canada slashes interest rate to 0.5 per cent
Description: Stephen Poloz, Bank of Canada governor, cut the key interest rate from 0.75 to 0.5 per cent. This triggers the perception that the economy is in turmoil. Source: Toronto Star Date: July 15, 2015 Video Link: http://www.thestar.com/business/2015/07/15/bank-of-canada-cuts-interest-rate.html Questions for Discussion: Why has Stephen Poloz decided to cut the rate? How will the cut rate… Read more »
Canadian dollar dips to its lowest level since 2009
Description: The Canadian dollar dipped to its lowest level since March 2009: it dropped below 77 cent against the U.S. dollar. This drop follows Bank of Canada’s decision to cut its interest rate to 0.5 per cent. Source: CBC Date: July 17, 2015 Link: http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/canadian-dollar-dips-below-77-cents-for-first-time-since-2009-1.3157570 Questions for Discussion: Discuss the factors causing the Canadian dollar… Read more »
Financial Crisis in Greece
Description: Greece continues to grapple with its tremendous debt. In a recent referendum, Greece said no to austerity measures demanded by the European Union. However, faced by increasing debt, the Greece has little option. Source: The Washington Post Date: July 10, 2015 Video Link: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/european-officials-pore-over-greeces-last-ditch-request-for-a-bailout/2015/07/10/1467a97e-2645-11e5-b621-b55e495e9b78_story.html Questions for Discussion: What led Greece to its current situation?… Read more »
Stock Market Turmoil in China
Description: The Chinese stock market has been collapsing over the last month—in the last three weeks investors have lost $3 trillion. The market condition in China is a problem that will impact the entire world. Source: The Guardian Date: July 10, 2015 Video and text Link: http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jul/10/china-stock-market-crash-world-problem-struggling-economy-small-invesots Questions for Discussion: Discuss the measures taken by… Read more »
More job cuts at Bombardier
Description: Bombardier will cut 1750 jobs. They cite international problems in Russia and China as major reasons for these cuts. A major burden of these job cuts will be felt at Bombardier’s Montreal office, where 1000 employees will be laid off. Source: CBC Date: May 14, 2015 Video Link: http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Business/ID/2667229488/ Questions for Discussion: 1…. Read more »
Kraft and Heinz to Merge
Description: In a major development in the food industry, Kraft Foods Group and Heinz Co. are merging their operations to create a single company with $28 billion in revenue. Warren Buffet proclaimed to play a role in setting-up the merger. There seems to be a major shake-up on the cards for the packaged food business…. Read more »
Bombardier in stormy skies
Description: The Montreal-based transportation giant, Bombardier Inc., is facing one of the biggest challenges in its 73-year history. Under severe attack by global competitors, Bombardier is facing a cash crunch. Source: Business News Network Date: February 07, 2015 Video Link:http://www.bnn.ca/News/2015/2/7/Stormy-skies-Bombardier-flies-a-risky-flight-path.aspx Questions for Discussion: What are some of reasons for the cash crunch faced by Bombardier?… Read more »
Apple to increase the prices of their apps
Description: The falling Canadian dollar is forcing Apple to increase the prices of their apps for Canadian customers. Source: BNN Date: January 08, 2015 Video and Text Link: http://www.bnn.ca/News/2015/1/8/Canadians-say-goodbye-to-Apples-99-cent-apps.aspx Questions for Discussion: Do you agree with Apple’s decision to increase the prices of their apps? Given that falling Canadian dollar reduces revenues for U.S. based companies,… Read more »
