Germans are already active investors in Canada's capital markets. According to data from research from Bigdough, more than 30 institutions in Germany hold TSX stocks and these firms currently hold over three-quarters of a billion dollars in TSX stocks. In the recent reporting period, German investors increased their portfolio allocation to TSX companies by an average of over 35%. Ms. Stymiest went on to say, "the German and Canadian stock markets have both been stellar performers over the past year. In American dollar terms, in fact, we've bettered all the U.S. indices."
She also echoed her wishes for progress on mutual recognition for exchanges in Canada and Europe. Citing the discussions around the upcoming Canada-EU trade talks, she said securities markets can bridge markets on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. "We happen to believe that an agreement can become an important example of how to create freer trade in securities and in other industries as well, by establishing the validity of mutual recognition of different regulatory approaches in our two markets." Ms. Stymiest went on to say, "mutual recognition provides a basis for regulators agreeing on principles, even while they maintain the inevitable differences that different traditions, practices and expectations create in different national or regional markets."
TSX Group has been actively building presence in Europe and Asia. While the showcase event was the first involving issuing companies, there have been meetings and speeches for more than a year in London, Brussels, and Geneva. TSX was also a sponsor of the European Film Awards in Berlin in December.
