Finance
New regulator pledges transparency as China works to prevent investor exodus
China’s new financial regulator has made fresh pledges to increase regulatory transparency, stability and predictability, the latest of several attempts to restore investor confidence following a stock meltdown and high-profile personnel changes.
“[We’ll] strengthen the interconnection of domestic and overseas financial markets and better facilitate cross-border investment and financing,” the commission said in its article, which detailed how to make China a “financial superpower”.
These signals are being sent at a time when foreign investors, including greenfield capital and portfolio holders, are hesitant to decide their next move and worried over the future of China’s policy choices.
The world’s second-biggest economy achieved 5.2 per cent gross domestic product growth in 2023, but market sentiment has remained low thanks to a protracted property industry slump, beleaguered employment figures and ballooning debts held by local governments.
Foreign investors have turned to other markets in the past year amid these factors and heightened geopolitical tensions, pushing the country’s annual net receipt of foreign direct investment (FDI) to a 30-year low in 2023.
‘We play with our money, so are careful’: is China uninvestable or invaluable?
‘We play with our money, so are careful’: is China uninvestable or invaluable?
According to data released by the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on Sunday, direct investment liabilities – a measure of both FDI inflows and outflows – rose by US$33 billion last year over 2022. This was a drop of 82 per cent year on year, and the lowest annual level for the investment metric since 1993.
However, Wang Chunying, a spokesperson for the forex regulator, said the foreign inflow of securities investment in China improved in the fourth quarter of 2023, with net inflow reaching a two-year high.
“This shows more foreign capital comes to China to invest in business and allocate renminbi assets”, she said in a statement, adding that China’s balance of payments will stabilise in 2024 as “both the internal and external environments will generally improve”.
The gauge rose more than 1 per cent on Monday and 0.2 per cent on Tuesday, following a long Lunar New Year holiday that saw stronger-than-expected consumer spending led by tourism and cinema sales.
China’s middle class seek safe haven for wealth amid economic slowdown
China’s middle class seek safe haven for wealth amid economic slowdown
While committing to more openness and transparency, the CFC vowed to make Shanghai more competitive and influential as an international financial centre and consolidate the status of Hong Kong.
It also emphasised the importance of “high-level security”, pledging to keep all financial activities under control.
Officials should “identify, warn against, expose and handle risks as early as possible, and prevent small things from becoming magnified and big things from blowing up”, said the commission in the article.
Beijing sees managing financial risks as critical for China’s future development, as stability is being tested by government debt loads, widespread corruption and financial services that are lagging behind the country’s rapid advances in technology and manufacturing.
Finance
BofA revises Harley-Davidson stock price after latest announcement
Harley-Davidson’s new CEO wants to transform how people think about the iconic motorcycle brand, so the company is trying something different.
This week, Harley announced a new strategy that focuses on lower-priced bikes, rather than relying on older, more affluent customers to buy its higher-margin touring models.
“Back to the Bricks builds on our core strengths and competitive advantages, harnessing the passion of our riders to deliver profitable growth for the Company and both our dealers and shareholders,” Harley CEO Artie Starrs said this week. “As we drive towards this new phase of growth, we remain committed to the craftsmanship and dedication that define our brand.”
Entry-level Harley-Davidsons cost about $13,000, while the higher-end Adventure Touring models average about $23,250, and the Premium Range &CVO models cost about $38,500, according to Reuters.
Harley’s new strategy targets a core profit of over $350 million from its motorcycle business by 2027 and over $150 million in cost reductions.
To kick off the new strategy, Harley is introducing Sprint, a new entry-level model powered by a smaller 440cc engine, later in the year.
What is Harley-Davidson’s “Back to the Bricks” strategy?
Harley’s new strategy relies on more than just pushing buyers toward cheaper vehicles to increase volume. The 123-year-old company has a set of five pillars on which it is building its future.
Harley-Davidson “Back to the Bricks” 5-point plan
-
Deep appreciation of Harley-Davidson’s competitive advantages and legacy: The Company’s iconic brand, diversified and powerful revenue channels, and best-in-class dealer network provide a powerful foundation for growth.
-
Renewed commitment to exclusive dealer network to drive enterprise profitability: Harley-Davidson’s dealers are a competitive advantage. The Company is planning actions to enable dealers to double profitability in 2026 and then double it again by 2029.
-
Immediate actions to recapture share in areas where Harley-Davidson has right to win: Harley-Davidson has strong legacy equity in existing markets including new motorcycles, used motorcycles, Parts & Accessories, and Apparel & Licensing. The Company’s new strategy is focused on positioning the Company to regain share and drive meaningful volume growth in categories where it benefits from credibility, scale, and deep rider connection.
-
Strong financial position with a path to stronger free cash flow and EBITDA margin: Cost and restructuring actions already underway support a path to stronger free cash flow and EBITDA margin over time.
-
Bolstered management team with balance of fresh perspectives and institutional knowledge: Harley-Davidson has made a number of leadership appointments that support the Company as it leverages its innate strengths.
Finance
What is Considered a Good Dividend Stock? 2 Financial Stocks That Fit the Bill
Written by Jitendra Parashar at The Motley Fool Canada
Dividend investing can be one of the simplest ways to build long-term wealth while creating a steady stream of passive income. But in my opinion, a good dividend stock is about much more than just a high yield. Beyond dividend yield, investors should also look for companies with durable businesses, reliable cash flows, and a history of rewarding shareholders consistently over time.
That’s exactly why many investors turn to financial stocks. Banks and asset managers often generate recurring earnings through lending, investing, and wealth management activities, allowing them to support stable dividend payments even during uncertain market conditions.
Two Canadian financial stocks that stand out right now are AGF Management (TSX:AGF.B) and Toronto-Dominion Bank (TSX:TD). Both companies offer attractive dividends backed by solid financial performance and long-term growth strategies. In this article, I’ll explain why these two financial stocks could be worth considering for income-focused investors right now.
AGF Management stock continues to reward shareholders
AGF Management is a Toronto-based asset manager with businesses across investments, private markets, and wealth management. Through these divisions, the company offers equity, fixed income, alternative, and multi-asset investment strategies to retail, institutional, and private wealth clients.
Following a 59% rally over the last 12 months, AGF stock currently trades at $16.67 per share with a market cap of roughly $1.1 billion. At current levels, the stock offers a quarterly dividend yield of 3.3%.
One reason behind AGF’s strong recent performance is its increasingly diversified business model. The company has expanded its investment capabilities and broadened its geographic reach, helping it perform well across varying market environments.
In the first quarter of its fiscal 2026 (ended in February), AGF posted free cash flow of $36 million, up 14% year over year (YoY), driven mainly by higher management, advisory, and administration fees. These fees climbed to $92.5 million as demand for the company’s investment offerings strengthened.
AGF has also been focusing on expanding its alternative investment business and introducing new investment products. With strong cash generation and growing demand for alternative investments, AGF Management looks well-positioned to continue rewarding investors over the long term.
TD Bank stock remains a dependable dividend giant
Toronto-Dominion Bank, or TD Bank, is one of North America’s largest banks, serving millions of customers through its Canadian banking, U.S. retail banking, wealth management and insurance, and wholesale banking operations.
Finance
UK watchdog says car finance legal challenge hearing unlikely before October
-
Tennessee3 minutes agoEthan Mendoza injured as No. 4 Texas loses to Tennessee, 5-1
-
Texas9 minutes agoWarm Saturday in North Texas ahead of severe weather chances later for Mother’s Day
-
Utah15 minutes ago
Discover the deliciousness of New York-style pizza at Fini Pizza in Utah City
-
Vermont21 minutes agoVermont teen dies in crash with tree
-
Virginia27 minutes agoPHOTOS: Virginia Beach Police investigate firearm-related incident at Carriage House Apartments
-
Washington33 minutes ago18-year-old dies after shooting in Tenleytown
-
Wisconsin39 minutes agoWisconsin multi-county police chase, 2 people from Illinois arrested
-
West Virginia45 minutes agowvnews.com | WVNews | Trusted West Virginia News, Sports & Local Coverage