Home Newspaper October 2011

October 2011

Comment & Insight

It all seemed so straightforward during the election this past May, when the incumbent party had pledged to eliminate the federal deficit in the fiscal…

The Ford brothers are on a mission to make over Toronto — on a top-down, consultation-free basis

Business may like it but voters clearly don’t: the provincial political cost of a consumption tax championed by Ottawa

The naming craze is catching hold. And even if the results can seem odd, nothing talks like an improvement to the bottom line

Existing protections should not be removed until the new document has been improved to ensure investors have the information they need

Investment research

Government bond yields have crumbled to the point at which interest flows no longer offer much cover for declines in bond prices

Financials have slumped in profitability while non-financials have done well

This strategy offers limited risk with the appearance of sitting on the sidelines

Operational efficiency moderates the impact on CN’s earnings when the economy is weakening, while CP has greater potential if a recession is avoided

Focus on Products

A-class units added to Horizons ETFs...

“When it comes to expanding, you have to do it wholeheartedly or not at all,” says Arrow founder and CEO Jim McGovern

DIY investors tend to be intelligent and well read on financial matters

Corporate balance sheets are strong and there is room for companies to grow, hire workers and invest in plants

“Add water and stir” analysis may mislead your clients

Building Your Business

Even if you’re needlephobic or time-challenged, it’s crucial to check out medical requirements and recommendations before spending time in certain regions. See your family doctor…

When clients make the shift to post-retirement, it’s time to revisit their approach to risk, their goals and what makes them happy

Both IIROC and the CSA have released notices on regulations concerning outside business activities for financial advisors. Regulators and legal experts say the rules have…

Gathering information about your new clients requires advanced interviewing techniques. That means knowing not only what information you will need but how to ask for…

As with a dinner party, preparation, attention to detail and making guests feel welcome are the keys to success

Gail Taylor started out with fewer advantages than most. But not only is she a top advisor with CIBC Wood Gundy, she has found a…

Letting it be known that you take on new business by referral only can create an air of exclusivity that appeals to existing clients as…

A centre of influence — like a client — should be a good fit. Look at key attributes to create a mutually beneficial arrangement

Travel light, focus on remote access

Gaining access to your office computer while travelling for business or pleasure is getting easier. You can even leave your laptop at home, thanks to…

The key to communicating with clients during a time of market upheaval is to be proactive and empathetic

The Wealthy Barber’s long-awaited sequel exposes misguided perceptions and financial foibles. Some of its claims will be debated by advisors

The decision to move from your residential setup into a full-fledged commercial office should be part of the plan to grow your business — and…

David and Susan are in the process of inheriting $350,000 following the recent death of his mother; they want to know what to do with…

News

Consumer debt has jumped to historical highs at a time when gains in both equities and real estate show signs of stalling. Do clients understand…

Helping clients get borrowing under control is a major new growth area for advisors. Success means happier clients and more resources for wealth creation

Independent brokers are facing some regulatory changes. John Dargie wants them to know there’s nothing to fear

The financial services practitioner program will now be offered at more than one college for the first time since launching in 2006

The acquisition of a Winnipeg-based niche firm that caters to pro hockey players lines up well with the bank’s high net-worth strategy

CLHIA’s downloadable Virtual Shoebox gathers important information in one secure place for easy accessibility

Study shows that more advisors are using it

Companies need to educate employees about the legal and security risks of offensive comments on social media and blogs

Dealers say value of IIROC MFDA merger is in cutting costs

Some securities regulators are stepping up supervision of promotional ads by issuers, often smaller resources companies

Low interest rates reduce insurers' investment income

RBC and Scotiabank’s insurance subsidiaries are expanding their footprint with more branches near their regular bank branches

One trend that persisted in the quarter is that consolidation is continuing, with many transactions announced in Q2

Vancouver-based PI Financial, which is focused on high net-worth clients, sees opportunity in Toronto

The OSC’s investor advisory panel has produced four substantive comments on regulatory policy initiatives in one year

Regulators are increasingly concerned about firms operating as exempt market dealers — and outside their oversight

Two deals will help bank generate more fee-based income

New law would prohibit the sending of commercial electronic messages without the prior consent of the recipient