PepsiCo reported first-quarter revenue that exceeded expectations, driven by strong international demand for its snack and beverage brands. The Purchase, New York-based company said revenue for the January–April period rose 2% to USD 18.3 billion, topping the USD 18.0 billion forecast compiled by FactSet. Alongside the quarterly results, PepsiCo reaffirmed its 2024 financial guidance, maintaining … Read more

General Motors reported a stronger-than-expected first quarter despite a modest decline in U.S. vehicle unit sales. The automaker’s net income rose more than 25%, driven by robust deliveries of pickup trucks and other higher-margin vehicles. GM said average transaction prices were slightly lower than a year ago, at just under $50,000, but it has not … Read more

Equifax Canada is testing how rental payment records could be incorporated into credit scoring models to expand access to credit and mainstream financial services. The agency says it has already run limited tests with small volumes of rent payment data to evaluate its suitability for scoring. An Equifax analysis indicates that adding alternative data, such … Read more

Who wants to pay to learn their credit score? A decade ago, Eva Wong found that idea absurd. She co-founded Borrowell, the first company in Canada to provide free credit scores and credit reports in partnership with Equifax. Borrowell also offers credit-building tools—such as Rent Advantage, which helps renters build credit—and an online marketplace that … Read more

If your home lacks a backup power source, now is a good time to consider adding one. Across North America—and especially in Canada—power outages are becoming more frequent, largely driven by extreme weather linked to climate change. During heat waves and deep cold snaps, increased demand for air conditioning or heating can strain the grid, … Read more

A new series of research papers from the National Institute on Ageing (NIA) has renewed interest in delaying Canada Pension Plan (CPP) benefits until the latest permitted age — 70. The NIA’s work highlights how waiting can substantially increase monthly CPP payouts and improve financial security in retirement. When the NIA released an introductory overview … Read more

Ask MoneySense Do all the advice articles about waiting to take CPP at age 70 take into account the calculation of your eligible amount if you stop working and contributing at, say 60 years old, and therefore have 10 years of no contributions? –Gary An applicant can begin their Canada Pension Plan (CPP) retirement pension … Read more

“As goes January, so goes the year”—known as the January Barometer—is an old market adage suggesting that January’s returns can predict performance for the remainder of the year. The idea surfaced in the 1970s and still finds believers among some traders. If the January Barometer holds, 2024 could look promising for Canadian investors. At the … Read more

Ask MoneySense My mom passed away a number of years ago and sadly we just lost our dad. My brother and I are wondering about taxes owing, the timing of distributions, and if we should move all of the investments to cash. My brother and I are beneficiaries of the RRIF and TFSA, and the grandkids … Read more

The other day I dashed out to buy cooking oil for dinner. I grabbed the brand I usually buy because it was a good size and reasonably priced—about $5 when I purchased it three months earlier. I was both surprised and irritated to find the same bottle, identical in size and label, now priced at … Read more