Year end tax tips and financial housekeeping + MORE Dec 13th

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Jingle bells…jingle bells…jingle all the way…
Geez, right around the corner isn’t it?
The holiday season signals the end of something old and the beginning of something new.  It’s a great time of year to spend time with family and friends, after you check off these year-end tax tips and complete these financial housekeeping chores.
Realize capital losses – I’ve sold some investments over the years in my taxable account to offset some capital gains.  I believe “selling losers” can be a good tax management strategy, it can make great sense if you reported capital gains during the year or in recent years.  You can read up about net capital losses in other years here.
Make charitable donations – We contribute to a few charities throughout the year and this year was no exception.  We consider ourselves very lucky and want to help others that are less fortunate or in need.  A reminder you have until December 31st to make your charitable donations to qualify for this tax year…

A research firm suggests that Telus would best serve investors if it presents an ‘adjusted EBITDA’ figure

Rally in energy shares peter out as crude oil gains withered

For the third year in a row Maclean’s asked economists, investors, analysts and financial commentators to submit what they think will be an important chart Canadians should watch in the year ahead—and they delivered, in spades. From the state of Canada’s housing market and the energy sector to government finances and how Canada will fare under Donald Trump, these 75 charts, accompanied by explanations from each contributor, will help prepare Canadians for understanding the economy in the year ahead. Here they are, in no particular order.
Enjoy!
Where’s the export recovery?
David Watt, HSBC Bank Canada. 

“Export recovery! Wherefore art thou? Canadian exports are stuck in their weakest cyclical recovery in 50 years. By this stage of a recovery—eight years on from the prior cycle peak—exports are usually almost 60 per cent above the prior cycle peak. Even in weak recoveries, exports are usually up by about 30 per cent. In the current recovery, exports are just 11 per cent above the prior cycle peak…

OTTAWA _ The federal economic development minister says he likes Canada’s chances in the global battle to attract top talent and investment even as a potential threat lurks in the distance: Donald Trump’s promise to significantly slash taxes.
Experts warn that any future corporate and personal tax reductions in the United States that are even close to the levels promised by the president-elect would put Canada at a considerable disadvantage.
They say Ottawa would be well advised to keep a close watch on developments and consider policies to ensure Canada doesn’t get left behind.
When asked about Trump’s promises to cut taxes, Navdeep Bains listed selling points he said would keep Canada competitive, including its inclusive society and solid education system.
“If you look at individuals that come to Canada, for example, they obviously are seeking economic opportunity, but quality of life is another key component and I think when it comes to that equation we have a very compelling proposition,” Bains said in a recent interview with The Canadian Press…