Investing in gold? Consider options
Options writing has produced returns as much as 200% or more vs simply holding gold or gold stocks
Options writing has produced returns as much as 200% or more vs simply holding gold or gold stocks
A solution to the spreading risks of global bond investing has arrived, courtesy of recent product innovations
S&P/TSX adds indices that could provide fresh ideas for your clients
With sales bouncing back for the Detroit Three and key auto-parts makers, things are finally looking up for the auto industry
When preparing to prime the cottage pipes, make sure there’s scotch in the cupboard
Calgary promoter Ross Stanfield must provide an independent report after raising $229 million
The new international accounting standards will make comparisons more difficult
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Letters to the editorRe: The financial services industry can’t have things both ways, Editorial (IE, May, 2010)Your editorial accuses the Canadian securities industry of foot-dragging…
Manitobans still hope their beloved Jets — now the Phoenix Coyotes — will return
Caldwell appoints Meisels as consultant to fund
The ultimate portfolio diversifier, cash has been a relatively good performer
“Exceptional opportunities” exist for clients with an insatiable thirst for income
But risks remain. “We need to see the real economy become sustainable," says one fund manager
Good financial advisors will earn their keep in this difficult decade to come
Making the best use of all members’ skills can lead to big payoffs
Once called a “tyrant,” Robin Kingsmill has learned to get out of the way
Angus Watt has a strong presence on radio and TV in Edmonton but, he insists, his success comes from a team effort
Planning, execution, lots of perseverance and significant support helped Sandra Pierce establish the brand she had dreamed of
Jason Stalker says he owes his success to being straight with clients and prospective clients
Halifax advisor Bill Moffat can spend years preparing a business for sale
Building a strong team follows the same principles as building a strong marriage, says Angus Watt, managing director of individual investor services with National Bank…
James Pelmore has advice for advisors thinking about using such sites as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn
Alan Rae uses short, lively clips to tell clients about new products, wish them a happy birthday and keep them engaged
Some clients get nervous during periods of turbulence. Keep them focused on the long term
Tell an anecdote about the deceased person, suggests Julian Wise, and offer to help with household necessities
To increase “share of wallet,” it’s important to focus on the clients with the biggest accounts
An objective third party can help you create a plan for your business and motivate you to reach your goals
Too many advisors take a disorganized or inconsistent approach to marketing, then give up on it altogether when things don’t work out. Here are some…
The image you are trying to establish must be consistent with the expectations of your target market
Conference offered useful ideas on client communication, team management
A new, U.S.-based website says it has found a way to keep both advisors and regulators happy
If you plan to use social media with clients, do your research first
Provincial and territorial insurance bodies will soon deliver a consultation paper
“What we have here is almost a perfect Mexican standoff,” said CI’s CEO Bill Holland in a conference call
The ‘“flash crash” of early May has set off alarm bells in world markets
Firm says demand from advisors played a major role in its decision to return to producing funds
David Feather says his new job at Russell takes him back to his roots at Mackenzie
They won’t be making any major U.S. acquisitions until revisions to global banking regulations are complete
Most economists are expecting prices to fall as buyers retreat in the face of rising interest rates
When the initial turmoil hit, it was largely for financial services institutions; now, it’s focused on sovereign nations
Golden Girl Finance’s board includes Wellington West CEO Charlie Spiring and tax expert Evelyn Jacks
Many hurdles remain
Regulators again touch a nerve in the debate on proprietary products
Already, the bank-owned alternative trading system has more than 20% of the volume of trades in Canada
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But firms rated highest in these categories provide well-placed ads and customizable marketing materials
Advisors say good support for retirement planning ranges from clear communication to solid tools
As some dealers move away from providing support to advisors, others are intensifying their services
But that satisfaction ends when it comes to the MFDA itself, which “has gotten to the point of ridiculousness,” says one advisor
Advisors with Global Maxfin and Assante rated their firms much lower in a vast number of categories
Firms are still failing to meet advisors’ expectations when it comes to back office and administrative support
Advisors report that sales of mutual funds are up while assets in high-interest savings accounts drop
Advisors earned less because of the recession and reduced payouts, leading to dissatisfaction at certain dealers (includes chart)
Lower-producing advisors have bigger portions of their books in mutual funds, and so may be getting a hand from the markets (includes chart)
Advisors’ expectations are not being met in a number of areas as performance ratings drop (includes chart, IE:TV)
