Monday Market Minute | Oct 21, 2019
The Liberals win a minority government in the October 21 federal election. Markets expect policy moderation given the need for opposition support.
What Moved
The Liberals won 157 seats on October 21, short of the 170 needed for a majority but enough to form government with opposition support. The TSX was broadly flat on the result, having largely priced in the outcome. The Canadian dollar strengthened modestly as the minority result reduced the probability of radical fiscal policy changes. Bond markets showed minimal reaction, with the 10-year Government of Canada yield holding near 1.5%.
Why It Matters
The minority government was arguably the best outcome for private markets stability. The Liberals' platform proposals — including the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive expansion and infrastructure spending commitments — would proceed, while the more aggressive tax proposals lacked the parliamentary support for implementation. The wealth tax, floated by the NDP, was effectively dead in a Liberal-led minority. For PE and private credit investors, policy continuity reduced the regulatory risk premium.
Signal to Watch
The fiscal update expected in December would reveal the minority government's spending priorities and deficit trajectory. Any signals on housing policy, infrastructure acceleration, or tax changes would directly affect private market positioning heading into 2020.