Found 42 blog entries tagged as Alberta.

Alberta's Consumer Spending Strong in December But Down In January

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ATB Economics | February 26, 2021


Retailers were hoping for a strong December to help make up for losses earlier in the year due to the pandemic and Alberta consumers obliged.

Average daily consumer spending* in Alberta was up by 2.5 per cent in December 2020 compared to December 2019.

The higher spending in December was not, however, enough to keep annual sales from falling below the 2019 level. Consumers in Alberta spent about 3.7 per cent less last year than in 2019.

Unadjusted consumer spending always falls in January compared…

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Oil Production In Alberta Getting Back On Track

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ATB Economics | February 18, 2021

Oil production in Alberta getting back on track

   

When billions of dollars and thousands of jobs are on the line, “it could’ve been worse” is not what you want to hear. But when it comes to Alberta’s total oil production in 2020, it could’ve been worse.

Between the pandemic, an oil price war, prices slipping into negative territory, ongoing pipeline challenges, lockdowns, travel restrictions and a second wave of the virus, the fact…

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Tips for Planting A Garden In Canada

Planting a garden, whether it’s vegetables or flowers, can be a time-consuming venture. However, your time and hard work is eventually rewarded with beautiful flowers or a bountiful harvest.

Below are a few tips for planting a garden to be proud of:

- Determine what type of plant will grow well in City. Keep in mind that Zone 2 or Zone 3 plants will do well in Canada.

- Consider the layout of your yard. Is there more sun than shade or a bit of both?

- Do you have animals? How will you maintain the integrity of your garden while keeping the dogs from trampling on the kale?

- Once you know what you can easily plant, determine the best planting times. Some plants may require pre-planting indoors so…

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The Top Economic Stories of 2020 Part 5 of 5

   

After a sluggish 2019, it was hoped that Alberta’s economy would pick up steam in 2020.

Then COVID happened.

The negative economic effects of the pandemic were initially underestimated. COVID-19 was seen by many as a short-term disruption that would be over almost as soon as it began. If only.

Once it was clear the pandemic would be with us for some time, the negative economic effects were overestimated with talk of another Great Depression making headlines.

The economic…

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The Top Economic Stories of 2020 Part 4 of 5


Notwithstanding the many American citizens who live in Canada, most of us cannot vote in U.S. elections. And yet, we pay attention to them as much or more than we do our own—at least when the presidency is on the line. The U.S. is, after all, our neighbour, largest trading partner, military ally, main source of tourists and the winter landing spot for many snowbirds from Canada. 

The recent race between President Trump and former Vice President Biden for what is arguably the most powerful elected position in the world was particularly gripping.

What does…

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The Top Economic Stories of 2020 Part 3 of 5


China has become, and will continue to be, a source of important economic news. From a trade war with the United States to its rapid economic recovery in the face of COVID to the signing of the The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), China continues to make large economic waves with ripple effects felt around the world, including Alberta.

Some of us on The Owl team are long enough in the tooth to remember when the big economic player and newsmaker in Asia was Japan. China was barely on the radar.

Fast forward to today, and even though…

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The Top Economic Stories of 2020 Part 2 of 5

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ATB Economics

Second only to the pandemic in terms of its negative impact on the Alberta economy in 2020 is the oil price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia.

Back in January 2020 before COVID was a household word, the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) forecast for the average price of a barrel of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude in 2020 was $US59. As of December 8, the EIA expects the 2020 average to come in just under $39. The price averaged $57 in 2019.

The demand destruction brought on by the pandemic is the main reason for the difference, but bad…

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The Top Economic Stories Of 2020 Part 1 of 5

Happiness is banking with ATB.

ATB Economics 

It’s that time of the year when we take a look back—from an Alberta perspective—at the top economic stories that took place over the previous 12 months. Each Owl this week will examine one story.

The full list, along with other observations about the year that was, are discussed in the latest edition of ATB’s The Future Of podcast hosted by our Chief Economist Todd Hirsch. The year-end edition can be found here and features commentary from energy guru Jackie Forrest.

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First up is the ongoing saga known as Brexit. Brexit (a combination…

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