Coronavirus

As U.S. States & Canadian Provinces announce plans to ease restrictions, testing and vaccines for COVID-19 gain importance. Canadian healthcare companies developing vaccines and tests for COVID-19: LexaGene, Microbix Biosciences, SQI Diagnostics, IMV, Protech Home Medical, and Viemed Healthcare. [more]

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) remains in the “High Volatility” range and the S&P 500 index was down 1.3% as Unemployment Claims reached almost 25M and new Coronavirus cases hit a new high. [more]

S&P 500 and S&P/TSX indices screens highlight companies with strong balance sheets and cash flows, which reduce liquidity risks and allow companies the ability to acquire distressed assets. Cash Kings – Alphabet, Microsoft & Facebook in the U.S. and Onex & Kirkland Lake in Canada [more]

The pharmaceutical industry in developing vaccines, treatments, and tests. Companies such as Abbott, Amgen, Arcturus, Bayer, La Roche Holdings, Novartis, Pfizer, and Thermo Fisher are leading the way. [more]

The S&P 500 was up by 3% last week, but the VIX is still in a “volatile” range and new coronavirus cases & unemployment claims remain plateaued. [more]

Tesla’s stock price is up 108% and Nikola announces an RTO on the NASDAQ. The EV industry has surged during the past 5 years, but the onset of the COVID-19 virus has affected automobile supply chains and retail operations globally. [more]

Protech Home Medical (TSXV: PTQ), Viemed (TSX: VMD) and Richards Packaging (TSX: RPI.UN) are helping the health care system respond to the Covid crisis. [more]

In Q1/2020, REITs have fallen more than 25% in market value, with segments such as “regional malls” dropping as much as 60%. [more]