Continuing to Shine: Strong July Performance for the CSE

Records just can’t seem to catch a break this year. Across North America major equity markets have all pushed to new highs as the wave of demand for equities continues its surge upward.

Like many of its counterparts this year, the CSE has also enjoyed a record breaking summer.

In June, the CSE set a new record for the most number of listings on the exchange within a month and in July, the CSE entered into record territory for the all-time highest number of listings within a year. With 21 securities listed in June and July, the CSE has reached a milestone of 51 securities listed in 2014.

By the end of July, there were 8 new listings from a diverse set of sectors that joined the CSE bringing the grand total of listings on the exchange to 236.

Joining the exchange were:

  • Galahad Metals Inc. (now Rosehearty Energy) – RHX
  • Monarch Energy Limited – CHX
  • Eyelogic Systems Inc. – EYE.A
  • Target Capital Inc. – TCI
  • Grenadier Resource Corp. – GAD
  • GTO Resources Inc. (now Velocity Data) – GTR (VCT)
  • Evolving Gold Corp. – EVG
  • Goldrea Resources Corp. – GOR

Listings, however, weren’t the only strong point in July. Momentum in other critical areas of the exchange also remained positive.

Trading activity in July, for example, came in at approximately 250 million shares traded and trading value reached over $52 million. These figures are just shy of the record breaking figures from June demonstrating that there is substantial interest in names traded on the CSE.

Accessibility to the exchange also increased for traders in July. The CSE announced that Vantage Wire will now carry real-time quotes on securities traded on the exchange, joining the growing list of major quote data feed providers.

The home stretch of 2014 should prove to be an exciting one in the history of the CSE.  With listings deals already in the pipeline,  August will continue to add to the record-breaking summer.

What is especially noteworthy, however, is that these exceptional listing and trading figures have been posted in what were supposed to have been the typically ‘quiet’ months.

With major events coming up this fall as well as an expected pick-up in the activity across the markets, the CSE doesn’t seem like they’re going to give the record books much time to rest any time soon.

The CSE is Exhibiting and Speaking at Upcoming Canvest 2014 in Toronto

The Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) is pleased to announce that it will be exhibiting at the upcoming Canadian Investor Conference in Toronto (Canvest) on September 25-26. This show will be a slight shift from the usually scheduled Toronto Resource Investment Conference as it will be broadening the scope of the show across the resource and technology sectors.

The CSE is scheduled to be housed at exhibit booth #809. We applaud the organizers at Cambridge House International for organizing a show that presents investment opportunities across several sectors as this is certainly tailoring the show to the appetites of today’s investment community in Toronto.

Richard_Carleton_canvestAdditionally, CSE CEO Richard Carleton will be participating on the panel titled, “Alternative Financing Methods” along with OTC Markets Group CEO Cromwell Coulson – we are looking forward to hearing their insight regarding the evolution of North American capital markets.

Mark your calendars for this show and we will be sure to see you there. Pre-registration is now open by following the link here.

See you in September!

Seminar Video: Harnessing the Power of Cross-Border Markets

The CSE – Canadian Securities Exchange, in partnership with OTC Markets Group, Clark Wilson LLP, and Canaccord Genuity (US) hosted a special presentation for companies interested in discovering the benefits of a cross-border market presence in Canada and the US.

(See the event photo gallery here)

Held on July 17th, 2014 in Vancouver – topics covered included an update on the CSE, OTC Markets Group’s listing standards and processes, market making, and insights on optimizing a cross-border market presence. Watch the entire event below:

Part 1 – CSE Presentation by James Black

Part 2 – OTC Markets Presentation by Steven Jenkins

Part 3 – Panel: Harnessing the Power of Cross-Border Markets

Part 4 – Panel: Harnessing the Power of Cross-Border Markets

How to Make a Market: CSE Provides Comments on Proposed Changes to NI 21-101 and NI 23-101

When it comes to running a successful enterprise, savvy entrepreneurs understand the value of being an effective listener.

This lesson is one that the CSE has witnessed time and again from the growing numbers of entrepreneurial companies listing on the exchange. It is also a lesson that has helped shape recent comments made by the CSE’s CEO, Richard Carleton, on the difficult task of crafting effective policy for current and future Canadian securities marketplaces.

Along with other major stakeholders across the Canadian securities landscape, the CSE has contributed its insights on the proposed changes to the securities rules: National Instrument 21-101 Marketplace Operation (NI 21-101) and National Instrument 23-101 Trading Rules (NI 23-101).

One of the biggest challenges common to all market stakeholders is how to respond to rapidly changing marketplaces and technologies.

Issues such as data center location and data stream distribution structures may seem innocuous to many observers however the consequences of the decisions made on these ultimately influence the answers to questions such as: Who gets market trading information first? What kind of downtime the market can expect in case of a disaster? And who can access the most detailed trading information (and for what purpose) being generated by marketplace activity?

In reviewing responses received by the Canadian Securities Association (CSA), as part of their request for comments, it is fascinating to note the degree of complexity that arises from many different opinions on so many of the issues being raised.
It is no small feat to sort through these differing opinions let alone create sound, balanced policies that address the needs of today’s marketplace while also leaving room for tomorrow’s marketplace to evolve. And yet, this is the challenge that lies before Canadian securities regulators.

For its part, the CSE continues to demonstrate its commitment to the needs of the current market as well as to the marketplace of the future. Philosophically and operationally, the CSE has strategically pursued creating a fair and efficient environment for entrepreneurial organizations and investors to come together. Reducing operating burden and reduced fees are certainly no coincidence.

When it comes to setting the rules for such a complex and dynamic marketplace, the devil is most certainly in the details. Stepping back for a moment, though, it is precisely the regulatory and administrative details that the CSE understands can be a challenge to the speed at which many companies can grow.

With some time still left before changes to NI 21-101 and NI 23-101 are finalized, there is likely room for further debate. Of the voices that have contributed to the dialogue thus far, however, there is one that warrants being listened to most carefully of all: the market. It’s a voice that great entrepreneurs tend to listen to and one that favors keeping things simple.

In the Spotlight: CSE Featured in Good Life Connoisseur Magazine

What does Canada’s fastest growing stock exchange have in common with a 460 horsepower v-8 performance automobile and a plate of charbroiled onaga with vegetable ratatouille? Aside from each being exceptional, they are all featured in the recently released summer edition of Good Life Connoisseur magazine.

The profile on the CSE looks at how the exchange has continued to evolve alongside the changes in the Canadian securities landscape and whether the extraordinary year at the exchange is a sign of a tipping point.

Without a doubt there is mounting enthusiasm towards the CSE’s operational model and value proposition. Many on the outside are also envious of the streamlined experience that being on the exchange offers.

Indeed, for those already listed on the exchange, they can not only celebrate the gains that simplicity and innovation provide but they can also take comfort in knowing that the quest for elegant solutions is a sign of exceptional taste.

Click here to read the full article.

Pic_Blog_20140729_ConnoisseurMagSpread_web

CSE New Listings Roundup for June 2014

If you’re wondering where the hottest place in Canada is this summer, it very well may be the CSE.

With a new record high number of listings in June 2014, the CSE is on pace to have its best year yet in terms of listings and trading activity and there is still plenty of time left on the calendar.

As we cross the halfway mark of 2014, the CSE has already seen 35 new listings join the exchange to date with 13 new listings added in June. The previous record for listings in a month was 10 (December 2010) and the previous high number of listings within a year (37) is within reach.

New to the exchange this month are:

  1. Lornex Capital Inc. – LOM
  2. West Point Resources Inc. – BLO
  3. Helius Medical Technologies Inc. – HSM
  4. Lions Gate Metals Inc. – LGM
  5. Appia Energy Corp. – API
  6. GoviEx Uranium Inc. – GXU
  7. Chlormet Technologies Inc. – PUF
  8. Murchison Minerals Ltd – MUR
  9. Mazorro Resources Inc. – MZO
  10. Orca Touchscreen Technologies – OAA
  11. BlackIce Enterprise Risk Management – BIS
  12. Highmark Marketing Inc. – HMK
  13. Big Rock Labs Inc. – BLA

New listings weren’t the only highlight, however, as trading volumes were equally as impressive. Over 257 million shares traded in June making it the third highest (so far) in terms of trading activity.

2014-07-19-Blog-CSE_Listed_Issues_webThis past year has seen a surge in interest from public companies large and small who are looking to enhance their competitiveness by focusing on efficient use of capital. In this regard, the CSE continues to be an important option to consider, especially for entrepreneurially minded organizations.

While cost control is key, many companies also know that growth also comes with increased exposure. The OTC Market Group’s recent announcement of the CSE as a qualified foreign stock exchange means that companies can now have enhanced access to wider pools of capital across the continent.

While there may not be a ‘magic formula’ at work, the CSE believes that there are key ingredients entrepreneurial companies need for success: access to capital, operational simplicity and, most importantly, choice.   As Managing Director of Listings Development Akthem Sumrain put it “the continued success that CSE is experiencing is further proof that there is in fact a much needed alternative in the Canadian capital markets.”

Like many of the entrepreneurs on and considering the exchange, the summer will continue to be a busy one. That said, despite the heat outside, the CSE and its supporters will be looking forward to a forecast that goes into the upper 30’s and beyond.

Upcoming Event: GreenRush Conference Toronto

After a successful show in Vancouver, the GreenRush Conference is coming to Toronto this week (on June 26th). The recent spotlight on medical marijuana in Canada has revealed interest from a wide array of stakeholders including investors, existing (and possible) producers, regulatory bodies, commentators as well as from consumers and advocacy groups.

Organized by Next Gen Metals Inc (CSE:N), the upcoming conference will be a full-day session featuring over 20 speakers and more than 30 exhibitors. GreenRush Toronto, therefore, may be an ideal opportunity to learn more about the many sides of the Canadian medical marijuana conversation.

The CSE (as well as several CSE-listed companies) will be among those exhibiting and speaking at the conference. We will also be hosting a corporate presentation for individuals and firms interested in learning more about listing on the CSE.

For those interested in learning more about (or registering for) the GreenRush Conference, click here.

To see our gallery from the first GreenRush conference in Vancouver, click here. We look forward to seeing you there!

Seed Capital: Early Investment in Canadian Medical Marijuana Industry Continues to Grow

If you’re a Canadian investor, the chances are good that you’ve heard or seen a massive spike in interest in medical marijuana.

From pundits to producers and all points in between, interest in the Canadian medical marijuana space has reached frenzied levels, driven there by the new Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations (MMPR) announced by Health Canada.

Recent reports peg the number of companies that have applied for licenses from Health Canada to grow and distribute medical grade marijuana at almost 850 with more coming in daily. And while there may only be 13 producers that are licensed to sell or provide medical marihuana under the MMPR today, that number is almost surely expected to rise as those applications work their way through the approval process.

With regulatory, administrative and legal hurdles to the MMPR still remaining, speculators and investors are betting that the entrepreneurs behind many of these firms find a way to stand out and succeed.

SL_logoTwo such entrepreneurial medical marijuana focused companies: Supreme Pharmaceuticals (CSE:SL) and Cannabis Technologies (CSE:CAN) were recently profiled in a pair of pieces by Proactive Investors.

From the piece on Supreme Pharmaceuticals, scale appears to be their strategy of choice. With formal final approval under the MMPR still pending, Supreme Pharmaceuticals is nonetheless continuing to work towards its goals of becoming a premier high volume producer in the near term.

CAN_logoOn a slightly different note, technology appears to be the strategy employed by Cannabis Technologies. With a view towards finding innovative ways to deploy and deliver medicinal cannabis, Cannabis Technologies has its eye on adopting a pharmaceutical company-like model.

With much of the Canadian medical marijuana industry still in flux, it remains to be seen how the marketplace will react to the sheer number of names and providers focused on the space. On the Canadian Securities Exchange, there are a number of companies in addition to Supreme Pharmaceuticals and Cannabis Technologies that are active in the medical marijuana space.

One thing that does remain clear, however, is that interest from speculative capital is still providing attention and dollars to the medical marijuana story.