Francis Fong

Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. (Broker) (CGMI-Broker) is the broker/dealer division of Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., an investment bank headquartered in New York City with additional offices across the US. The firm was founded in 2004 and is a subsidiary of Citigroup Financial Products, Inc., ultimately held by Citigroup, Inc. (NYSE: C). CGMI-Broker covers all market capitalizations of the major global indices and provides macro and quantitative analysis of global markets and sector trends. Their core focus of the group is to help investing clients make informed decisions by providing value-added, independent, insightful analysis.

Duke University is an academic university that offers undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. It also has publications and research services. The university was founded in 1838 and is headquartered in Durham, NC.

BMO Financial Group, Inc. provides wealth management and other financial services. It is a diversified financial services provider which offer clients a broad range of personal, commercial, corporate and institutional financial services across Canada and in the United States through BMO Bank of Montreal, BMO Nesbitt Burns, BMO Capital Markets and Chicago-based subsidiary, Harris Bank. BMO Financial Group is located in Toronto, Canada

The Bank of Canada provides banking and financial services. Its services include mortgage and payment processing, loan application, credit card application, accounting solutions, tax preparation, financial analysis, insurance, and payroll processing services to its clients. The company was founded in 1934 and is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada.

AERIC, Inc., dba The Conference Board of Canada, is an independent, not-for-profit applied research organization headquartered in Ottawa, Saskatchewan. The Board helps build leadership capacity for a better Canada by creating and sharing insights on economic trends, public policy issues, and organizational performance. They forge relationships and deliver knowledge through their learning events, networks, research products, and customized information services. Their members include a broad range of Canadian organizations from the public and private sectors. The Conference Board of Canada was formed in 1954, and is affiliated with The Conference Board, Inc. that serves some 3,000 companies in 67 nations.

Part of BNP Paribas SA, BNP Paribas (Canada) Securities, Inc. is a premier banking partner that has been supporting Canadian companies and institutions since 1961. The company is based in Montréal, Canada. The Canadian company strives to develop long-term relationships with its clients by supporting their business strategies. For 60 years, BNP Paribas (Canada) Securities has been helping Canadian large corporates and institutional grow by offering them a full range of services. Sonja Volpe has been the CEO of the company since 2015.

IHS Global Insight (USA), Inc. (IHS Global Insight USA) is an investment research firm headquartered in Lexington, Massachusetts. The firm was founded in 2001 and is owned by S&P Global, Inc. (NYSE: SPGI). IHS Global Insight USA provides economic and financial analysis, market forecasting and market intelligence to a variety of clients in the industry, finance and government sectors. The firm provides coverage for over 170 industries in over 200 countries. Their coverage area includes North and South America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Research focuses on the following industries: agriculture, automotive, commerce/transportation, construction, consumer goods, energy, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, lending and payment services, manufacturing, steel, technology, telecommunications and travel/tourism.

Canadian Association for Business Economics, Inc. Operates an an association of professionals active in the field of business economics. Its members include applied economists in business, governments, associations and other organizations, and those interested in business economics, the economics outlook, and policy. The company was founded in 1975 and is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada.

Part of Norton Rose Fulbright LLP, Norton Rose Canada LLP provides legal advisory services. The company is based in Toronto, Canada.

Federation des Caisses Desjardins du Quebec (Research), do-business-as Desjardins Economics Studies, is the investment research division of Federation des Caisses Desjardins du Quebec in Canada. Headquartered in Lévis, the firm focuses on: (1) analyzing the impact of economic environments and financial markets and produces forecasts (2) promoting the economic expertise and reputation of Desjardins Group and (3) evaluating Desjardins' activities and results on savings and credit markets.