Welcome to our newsroom policies hub. The Learning Bull was built on a simple idea. Trust grows when readers can see how the work is done. This page explains the standards that guide our journalism, the rules that protect our independence, and the methods behind our data and recurring features.
Editorial Principles
Clarity comes first. We write in plain language and put facts before opinion. Our aim is to help Canadians make informed money decisions, not to chase the headline of the day.
- Accuracy over speed. We publish when information is verified. If a story develops, we update with clear time stamps.
- Context matters. Numbers mean little without the why. We connect data to real world decisions such as budgeting, investing, and retirement planning.
- Transparency with readers. We show our sources whenever possible and explain our methods so you can assess the strength of our conclusions.
Ethics and Independence
Editorial judgment is separate from business interests. No sponsor or advertiser dictates our coverage, our headlines, or our conclusions.
- Conflicts of interest. Staff must disclose any personal or family financial interests that could influence coverage. Editors reassign stories when a conflict exists.
- Trading policy. Editors, reporters, and researchers avoid trading in a security within two weeks before or after publishing coverage of that security. Long term investing is allowed with disclosures and with compliance approval.
- Disclosures. If a writer owns a security discussed in a story, that ownership is disclosed in a note at the end of the article.
- Advertising and affiliate links. Paid placements are labeled and additional details for partners appear on Advertise with The Learning Bull.
- Gifts and access. We do not accept gifts, travel, or perks that could influence coverage. Access is earned through fair dealing and strong reporting.
Corrections and Updates
We correct the record publicly. When we change a story for accuracy, we add a note that explains what changed and when.
- Corrections. For factual errors that affect meaning, we correct the text and add a correction note at the bottom of the article.
- Clarifications. For wording that could mislead, we revise and add a clarification note.
- Updates. For new information that does not change earlier facts, we add an update time stamp.
- Retractions. In rare cases where core facts cannot be supported, we retract and explain the decision.
Public Corrections Log
We maintain a running log so you can review our record. Each entry includes the article headline, URL, what was corrected, the original publication date, and the date of the correction. The log is searchable by ticker, company, and topic.
To request a correction, use our Contact page or email corrections@learningbull.ca with the article link, the specific passage, and supporting documentation.
Unnamed Sources Policy
Anonymous sourcing is an exception, not a routine. We grant anonymity only when a source risks credible harm such as job loss or legal retaliation and when the information cannot be obtained on the record.
- We must know the identity of the source and their reasons for anonymity.
- We seek corroboration from documents or additional sources.
- Editors review every request for anonymity and approve the final language that describes the source to readers with as much specificity as protection allows.
- We do not allow unnamed sources to express personal attacks or unverified opinions.
Diversity and Inclusion
Financial reporting should reflect the country we serve. We aim for a range of voices, experts, and examples across regions, backgrounds, and perspectives.
- We track the diversity of sources in our coverage and adjust outreach when gaps appear.
- We choose language that is respectful and precise.
- We design products with accessibility in mind and offer alternate formats upon request.
Fact-Checking Methodology
Every story follows a documented review path that fits its risk profile.
For news briefs
- Confirm facts with at least two reliable sources or one primary document such as a filing or official release.
- Quote figures with clear units and currency.
- Add a time stamp and source line.
For analysis and feature stories
- Verify every claim against primary documents including regulatory filings, earnings transcripts, and audited reports.
- Cross check data points against at least one independent source.
- Conduct a line edit focused on logic and fair characterization of opposing views.
For long research notes
- Rebuild key numbers from raw filings when possible.
- Document assumptions, formulas, and alternative scenarios.
- Assign a second editor to replicate calculations before publication.
Opinion and Analysis Labeling
Readers should always know what they are reading.
- News presents verified facts with neutral framing.
- Analysis interprets facts and data to explain significance and likely outcomes.
- Opinion reflects a clearly identified voice and argument.
We label each format at the top of the page and in social posts. We do not mix news and opinion inside a single story.
AI Use Policy
We rarely use AI in our workflow. Our expert editors, reporters, and analysts do the work and hold accountability for every word and chart. If we use AI for a basic task such as creating an image or visual to support an infographic so readers can digest information more easily, we label it clearly. We do not publish AI generated text without human editing and verification, and we do not feed personal data into external tools without a valid basis as described in our Privacy Policy.
Methodologies for Recurring Features and Data
Recurring features rely on consistent rules. We publish those rules and keep them stable so results are comparable over time. Examples include the following.
- Company snapshots. Market cap from the latest close. Revenue, profit, EBITDA, margins, and cash flow from the most recent annual or trailing twelve month filings. Dividend yield from indicated rate divided by current price. Payout ratio from dividends divided by net income, or from dividends divided by free cash flow where noted.
- Sector and ETF scorecards. Weightings, expense ratios, and top holdings from manager reports. Performance shown as total return where available.
- Screens and lists. Filters and thresholds appear at the top of the page. We note survivorship bias and any exclusions.
- Backtests. Returns are net of published management fees where applicable and do not include trading costs unless specified. Results are for education, not a promise of future performance.
- Currencies and time. Canadian dollars by default. We note exceptions. Dates and times use Eastern Time in Canada unless stated otherwise.
Methodology pages include change logs so readers can see when and how a rule was updated.
Data Sources and Citations
We favor primary sources. When we use secondary sources, we choose reputable institutions and cross check key figures.
Common sources include the following.
- Canadian and U.S. regulatory filings and databases such as SEDAR+ and EDGAR
- Company reports, press releases, and investor presentations
- Exchanges and index providers
- Statistics Canada, the Bank of Canada, CMHC, provincial finance ministries
- International bodies such as the IMF, World Bank, and OECD
- Licensed market data vendors and public datasets with documented provenance
Each story cites sources adjacent to the relevant claim or in a sources box at the end. Charts list data origins and time ranges. If a figure is estimated, we label it and describe the method.
If a source issues a restatement or revision, we update our datasets and add a note to affected articles and tools.
Transparency is a habit, not a page. We will refine these policies as our products evolve and we will time stamp revisions so you can follow the changes.