The five most surprising stats from Canada’s capital markets in 2013

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We know you love year-end lists, and Streetwise aims to please.

However, this one isn't subjective. We ran the numbers and found some pretty eye-popping figures. Here are five of the most surprising things to happen in capital markets this year*:

1) There was just one mining deal worth more than $1-billion

We all know it's tough out there. But sometimes you need the stats to really make it clear. This year, the acquisition of Uranium One Inc. for $1.4-billion was the only deal to top the $1-billion mark. The next biggest? Aurizon Mines purchase of Hecla Mining for $650-million.

2) REITs took it on the chin, even after bond markets calmed

Real estate investment trusts were hit hard when bond yields soared in May and June. But there was hope that they would recover when the fears of a massive taper were kicked down the road in September. They didn't. For the full year, the S&P/TSX Capped REIT Index is down 12 per cent, or 7.5 per cent on a total return basis. And to think that things looked so promising at the start of the year, with H&R REIT scooping up Primaris for $4.1-billion.

3) The industrials TSX sub-index shined

Everyone knows consumer stocks had a big year, because they get a lot of attention for their retail appeal. But the industrial sector did, too, and that doesn't happen often. This wide-ranging TSX sub-index was up 35 per cent this year, with strong performances by everyone from Air Canada to Stantec.

4) Miners now make up just a fraction of the S&P/TSX Composite Index

Traditionally, financials, miners and energy companies fought for the biggest weighting in the TSX. In 2013, the battle was blown open. Financials now comprise 35 per cent of the index, while energy companies comprise 24 per cent. Miners make up just 12 per cent, bringing them closer to industrials, which account for 8 per cent of the index. (See various points above for an explanation why.)

5) Bond issuance set brand new records. Again.

Canadian borrowers had already set a new record for debt issuance in 2012. They couldn't help but outdo themselves in 2013. Even though bond markets hit the rocks this summer, issuers rushed back into the market this fall, ultimately borrowing more than $100-billion. Canadian investors were more than happy to cough up their cash.

*Obvious cases like gold miners suffering from billion-dollar writedowns are already common knowledge.