Study Group: Retail Brokerage Services Experts

GLG News^SM Analyses by this Study Group's Leading Experts(?)

Genworth MI Canada: Successful IPO, But Mixed Market Reaction

July 9, 2009

Analysis by:Justin Hupet, Consultant,

Analysis of:What to take from Genworth's IPO | www.theglobeandmail.com

Genworth Financial (NYSE:GNW) completed an IPO of their Canadian operations in a bid to raise capital to pay down debt at the parent company.  The mortgage insurer’s Canadian offering raised at least C$850 million (44.7mm shares priced at C$19 per share and the underwriters have the option to sell an additional C$127mm (6.7mm shares) up until August 6th).  If the option is exercised in full, Genworth Financial would have a 56% ownership interest in Genworth MI Canada (TSX:MIC).  This is the largest IPO in the Canadian marketplace since 2007, when gold miner Franco-Nevada raised C$1.3bn, and is only one of a handful of IPO’s completed in Canada YTD.

Institutional Investors Participation in Recent Equities Market Rally: A Canadian Perspective

April 20, 2009

Analysis by:Justin Hupet, Consultant,

Analysis of:financial times ft.com | www.ft.com

The major Canadian equities market index, the S&P/TSX Composite Index, is up 5% YTD (up 25% since March 9th, 2009) ; with the overall value traded down 27%, and volume up roughly 18% compared with the same period last year on a year-over-year basis.  The number of transactions is up 26% YTD vs. the same period last year.  The TSX Venture exchange (which consists of micro and small capitalization companies) is up 24% YTD.  The consensus among institutional investors in Canada, as elsewhere around the globe, remains divided.  A few things likely need to occur before the majority of the naysayers move toward the other camp, such as; a visible and sustainable improvement in the global economy, a broad-based recovery in corporate earnings, a steady and meaningful increase in the prices of commodities, a slowdown or reversal in the recent rate of increase in the unemployment rate, more balanced conditions in the housing market, and a significant positive shift in consumer confidence.

Hedge Funds Need A Survival Strategy

March 26, 2009

Analysis by:Justin Hupet, Consultant,

Analysis of:Pensions seen fueling hedge fund industry growth | www.reuters.com

Hedge funds lost more than $700 billion in second half of 2008, and 2009 might be even worse given the current outlook for the financial and economic environment.  Hedge funds need a survival strategy and more metrics need to be shared on both sides of the conversation between the hedge fund and institutional client.  Those hedge funds that survive need to offer, among other things; repeatable performance, fair fees, top-notch client service, robust risk management, transparency, sound operational infrastructure, and a safety guarantee for custody of and institutions assets.

BATS Beats Turquoise, Europe's MTFs Look More Volatile Than Ever Under Mifid

March 26, 2009

Analysis by:Patrick Young, Founder and Chairman,

Analysis of:BATS Europe Passes Turquoise In Market Share, Sets Numerous Volume Records | www.mondovisione.com

The fact that Turquoise has lost its shareholder market makers has caused its volume to slump, allowing upstart (and US 500lb gorilla) BATS Europe to leap ahead in market share. Takeovers by legacy exchanges now look more likely than ever.

NASCAR Retains A Super Brand But In An Expensive Domain

March 25, 2009

Analysis by:Patrick Young, Founder and Chairman,

Analysis of:Turner Revs Up Original Nascar Web Series | www.mediaweek.com

NASCAR has become the most successful motorsport brand in the USA. However, other series are suffering massive financial issues as sponsors drop out in the current economic climate and experts point to a drop in US motorsport sponsorship in 2009.

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