A new poll of Canadian Chartered Financial Analysts reveals that inflation has become a greater concern than earlier in the year.

According to the poll, 89% of Canadian CFA charterholders said inflation has become a greater concern than six months ago.

“Food prices globally will continue to rise on growing demand and dwindling inventory levels. This will constrain global economic growth,” one respondent commented.

North America is coming out on top according to respondents with 40.1% citing Canada and the United States as the markets that are providing the best near-term values. “Canada has the largest investable oil reserves in the world and it is and will continue to get a lot of attention from global players in the near-term.”

When asked about the six-month outlook on the price of oil 70.4% of charterholder respondents expect the price of oil to be in the $100-$150 a barrel range.

When asked whether global financial risks and write-offs been reflected fully in Canadian bank stocks, respondents were divided — 44% answered yes, while 47% said no.

The third national poll of CFA charterholders probes Canadian investment professional’s predictions for the second half of 2008. Of the 948 investment professionals who responded to the poll, over 58% think that the Canadian dollar will finish 2008 at or above par.

The poll was conducted via electronic survey from July 7 – 11. Eligible charterholders from all 12 Canadian CFA societies participated as follows: Atlantic, Quebec City, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg, Saskatchewan, Edmonton, Calgary, Okanagan, Vancouver and Victoria.