Overview
Economic growth in developed countries has slowed over the last decade. In an attempt to reverse this trend, many countries are exploring economic policy options which can be used to stimulate key sectors of the economy. One sector considered vital for economic growth is the financial sector.Governments and businesses acknowledge that efficient capital markets are an important component of a dynamic, internationally competitive economy. When capital markets provide an efficient mechanism for the exchange of funds among borrowers and lenders, the economy is able to grow more quickly, generating increasing employment opportunities and rising incomes for Canadians.
International experts in corporate finance, business and economics were invited to explore the capital market issues and challenges that exist for Canada. Their studies, which appear in this volume, deal with factors that influence investment and the operation of capital markets, cost of capital, business financing, access to capital markets and venture capital financing. Two additional papers pull together research findings and set out some policy implications.