Finance
Turkey Finance Chief Highlights Central Bank Policy Independence
(Bloomberg) — Turkey’s central bank has the independence to take measures needed to slow inflation, according to the country’s finance chief, who’s been leading a policy overhaul since national elections in May.
“The central bank has a free hand, so to speak,” Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek told the Kanal 7 TV channel on Sunday. “They will do whatever is necessary to reduce inflation.”
Senior central bank officials, appointed after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s re-election with the goal of pursuing a return to mainstream policymaking, have recently drawn criticism for appearing to stray away from orthodoxy by focusing on alternative tightening steps.
For bankers and economists, the approach is becoming reminiscent of their predecessors, when policymakers – to comply with Erdogan’s wishes – implemented a slew of regulations instead of raising rates.
Simsek said the president supports the new program, which includes “normalizing” monetary policy. The previous policy wasn’t “functional,” he said.
Turkey’s central bank raised its benchmark rate to 45% from 8.5% over eight policy meetings in an effort to tame soaring inflation, and has promised to tighten further in case of worsening outlook for prices.
The central bank’s Monetary Policy Committee will hold its rate-setting meeting on March 21 amid rising calls for it to once again lift the benchmark.
According to analysts at Goldman Sachs Group, a rate increase would signal that the central bank can act with its own authority and avoid any interpretation that it’s tilting back toward unorthodoxy.
Turkey’s monthly inflation print, the main gauge for the policymakers, was worse than expected last month but that could be “compensated with additional tightening measures,” according to Simsek, although he highlighted throughout the interview that the central bank sets monetary policy.
Read more: Turkey’s Inflation Spirals Closer to 70% in Worry for Peak Rates
Until his re-election in May Erdogan endorsed ultra-low borrowing costs and prioritized economic growth through cheap credit.
That sparked an inflation crisis and led to the appointment of more market-friendly officials, including Simsek, who’s been trying to restore investor confidence and bring inflation down to single digits by putting the country on a mainstream track.
“The essence of the program is disinflation, to bring inflation to single digits,” Simsek said.
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Published: 18 Mar 2024, 05:41 AM IST
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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