Canstead Economics
Independent Macro Research & data-driven Economic Intelligence tailored for leaders shaping policy and strategy.
FEATURED
LATEST ECONOMIC BRIEFINGS
SECTOR DYNAMICS
BANKING
Dec 2, 2024
Canada’s Federal Public Service: Growing Resources, Declining Effectiveness
Between 2015 and 2023, the Federal Public Service experienced explosive growth, expanding by more than 39%. In contrast, Canada’s population grew by only 9% during this period. Why hasn’t this larger workforce translated into better service delivery?
FISCAL POLICY
CANADA
Nov 27, 2024
Grocers, Costs, and Profits: Unraveling Canada's Food Price Inflation Post-COVID
Canada’s grocery sector is under scrutiny as food prices continue to rise. But what’s driving this inflation? Is it purely a matter of rising input costs, or are grocers expanding their margins, taking advantage of inflation?
SECTOR DYNAMICS
GROCERY RETAIL
FINANCIAL MARKETS INTELLIGENCE
Feb 21, 2025
Canadian Markets Keep Losing to the S&P 500
Canada’s equity markets aren’t just underperforming the S&P 500—they’re structurally disadvantaged. The gap in returns is widening, driven by fundamental weaknesses in Canada’s economic makeup, sector concentration, and sluggish productivity growth.
COMMENTARY
Feb 10, 2025
Unhedged Wins: Currency Volatility Has Boosted S&P 500 Returns for Canadians
Unhedged exposure to the S&P 500 has consistently outperformed CAD-hedged investments, particularly since 2019, thanks to trade uncertainty, tariff risks, and Canadian dollar weakness. This trend shows no signs of slowing.
COMMENTARY
Dec 6, 2024
Rising Bond Yields Highlight Mixed Market Confidence in UK Leadership
The UK’s bond market is sending a clear signal: confidence in fiscal and economic policy remains fragile. Under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, 30-Year bond yields have risen significantly above the levels seen during Liz Truss’s turbulent tenure.