Home Newspaper Mid-February 2008

Mid-February 2008

Building Your Business

Playing an instrument can improve your mood, relieve stress and strengthen your memory

But instability in emerging economies could follow if the wealth is not shared to create growth in the middle class

Getting and keeping high net-worth clients requires a special kind of care

The “house rich” can monetize their equity — but not without risk or debt

Demand for über-expensive indulgences has never been higher

In the past 20 years, wealthy families have grabbed a bigger share of the economic pie

As baby-boomer business owners retire, there will be a massive shift of assets between generations

Critics say too many affluent immigrants are using investor visas to “buy” passports without adding value to the economy

From medicine and the arts to social investing, Canada’s wealthy are giving back

The affluent remain elusive when it comes to their financial affairs

Advisors can play a vital role when wealthy boomers pass their fortunes to the next generation

The return on serving this asset group warrants the time and energy advisors expend to develop the business

The people at BMO Harris Private Banking say that what makes their operation stand out in the highly competitive Canadian private-banking space is that it…

High-income earners may be spending all their money and not accumulating any wealth. How to spot them

Comment & Insight

Halifax, it seems, is running out of room. The big problem is a lack of top-notch commercial real estate in the city’s centre. This lack…

Linking such a tax to the province’s $11.1-billion transit plan is a no-brainer

Why countless attempts at cleaning up the lobbying business have not had much impact

Residents of Saskatchewan are going to have to get used to being in a “have province”

Trust is something that must be earned, not assumed. More important, it must be given before it can be received.The financial services industry frequently preaches…

Investment research

But the trick is to walk a tightrope, picking up gains as rates fall and avoiding falling off when the rates start to rise

In tough times, looking back at long-term averages is the best option for determining earnings trends

Advisors must provide appropriate portfolio solutions for different types of clients during difficult periods

Despite the strength of the major international players, an Ottawa-based firm is one of the more intriguing plays

Companies that have contracts to maintain and service equipment after the sale are in a good long-term position

Focus on Products

Paper says it encourages active investing, which may lead investors astray

Two new funds for IGWinnipeg-based Investor’s Group Inc. has launched two new funds: Investors Global Real Estate Fund and Alto Monthly Income and Global Growth…

New anti-money laundering rules mean obtaining more information

Quantitative funds are managed using complex mathematical or statistical models to make stock picks

Oil and gas income trusts are popular with fund managers; some REITs are still attractive investments

Manager of AGF China Focus Fund is bullish on the outlook for stocks in the region

Changes in ranking categories helped performance in 2007, as did astute stock-picking

Special Feature

Economic growth will continue but be tempered by low natural gas prices, inflation and negative interprovincial migration

Once dependent on the forestry industry, the province is now focusing on energy for growth

Megaprojects and good incomes from super-commuters are driving the Rock’s economy

Strong commodities prices and high-profile construction projects have given the province momentum

The province is counting on infrastructure spending, energy projects and tax cuts to stimulate growth this year

Most of the Island’s industries, such as french fries, are insulated from U.S. slowdown

Economists continue to be optimistic because of a combination of positive factors

The strong global demand for resources should keep the three territories’ economies humming

Olympic Games in 2010 and commodity prices are among B.C.’s economic drivers; challenges include troubled forestry sector

While forestry and fishery may take a hit, natural gas projects and financial services will provide a big boost

Although Ontario manufacturers will be stung by a U.S. slump, several factors will help save the day

News

Change leads to the removal of the withholding tax on the interest corporate borrowers pay foreign lenders

Others are now sizing up the new opportunities created by the exit of a major player

The proposed changes represent the most significant revisions since 2002. But the industry doesn’t like them

Despite the secrecy, the proposed regulations “will substantially enhance the current disclosure regime governing PPNs,” the CSA says

BCSC’s plan to curb fraudulent Vancouver businesses registering in the U.S. puts the onus on professional services people

Derek Suddons is an Investors Group advisor by day and a Toronto Rock defenceman by night

Climb of Mount Kilimanjaro is a metaphor for overcoming obstacles

With his recent additions from AGF, Sprott has put together an all-star lineup of fund managers

The big question for 2008 is what becomes of the economies of Ontario and Quebec if the U.S. slides into recession. Will they avoid the…

New unit has more powers to help investors

The fund manufacturer’s new chief operating officer is responsible for correcting past mistakes

The Montreal-based brokerage will continue to seek out acquisitions, but only if they are a good match