Canadian investors are doing their part to add to the global debt build-up.  In addition to record levels of consumer debt, Canadians have also been adding risk into their investment portfolios by funding more of the purchases through Margin Debt accounts rather than cash.  The chart below shows how

Canadian Margin Debt Hovering Near Record

Whatever happened to the concept that Canadians were dull and conservative when it came to financial matters?  Record low interest rates are pushing investors of all ages further ‘down the risk curve.’  This sounds like a dangerous strategy at a time when economic growth is challenged and stocks are trading near record-high valuations.  Maybe the lessons learned in 2008 are now enough of a distant memory.  Our view continues to be ‘look out below!’

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