March 2008

Special Feature

How the Brokerage Report Card is done

IPOs on the junior market are diversifying although mining companies still dominate the deals

U.S. studies find that the best deals go to insiders, with negative results for others

Lululemon’s dual listing made a big splash in 2007, but most new players now come from abroad

With the demise of income trust conversions, investment bankers are looking for alternatives

Canaccord Capital Inc. shines on the TSX Venture Exchange

But traditional IPOs — and their underwriters — make a comeback

Comment & Insight

There is a lot of talk about meeting client expectations and what happens to relationships when expectations aren’t met. Maybe our family is under an…

Giving one small donation to charity can open the requests floodgates

The industry must ensure that Canadians of modest means have access to basic services

You wouldn’t expect the allegedly socialist mayor of Canada’s largest city, which is allegedly teetering on the verge of bankruptcy, to relish his annual meetings…

Rapidly rising house prices have driven many migrants back to their province of origin

Despite the city’s best attempts, speedy clearing of snow is being thwarted by the workers’ union

The current government could learn a lot from the Mulroney government’s communication skills

If federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty hopes to be the one who finally rationalizes the securities regulatory system, he’s going to have to do better…

Investment research

The U.S. got into the current slowdown/recession because consumers took advantage of low interest rates and used their homes as ATMs. Will they make the…

The algorithmic method developed by Shawn Brayman can deliver the same results — but much faster

But lower share prices present an opportunity to invest in the subsector

Turning to bonds options is a good strategy in the current environment as U.S. interest rates are likely to come down further

Although key challenges arising this year could hurt the asset manager, it has a variety of diversified businesses

Although income trust earnings have dropped quite heavily in the past year, those of equities are mainly flat

The recent turmoil has been profitable for bonds, but now is the time to position your clients for the market’s recovery

South Africa’s failure to increase power-generating capacity has slowed mining activity for the precious metal

Focus on Products

The big issue hanging over the markets is whether the U.S. economy is heading into the deep freeze

For risk-averse investors CI Signature Select Canadian Fund may be a better choice than AIM Canadian Premier Fund

Several traditional no-load fund firms introduce these funds to penetrate the advisor channel

Now that the federal government has made life difficult for income trusts, Calgary-based firm looks to other products

Sales are slow so far this year partly because investors have been discouraged by the wild gyrations of equity markets

U.S.-based Claymore Securities shutters 11 lightly followed ETFs, but Canadian ETFs should be safe

Studies conclude that index funds work best for passive investors

AIC launches four new fundsBurlington, Ont.-based AIC Ltd. has introduced four global specialty funds that will provide investors with exposure to growth opportunities in the…

Instead, the industry should try to work with the ombudsman

Building Your Business

This couple’s retirement income and education costs for their children are not adequately provided for right now

Use an agenda and keep weekly meetings short

Reflecting diversity in the community makes business sense; accommodations can be inexpensive

Even small businesses can become lucrative clients; partnering with an experienced group benefits advisor is a good way to start

Roberta Quentin believed her clients were generally satisfied with the level of service they received from her. But there was no evidence — beyond the…

It used to be that debt and retirement were considered incompatible. How could anyone enjoy their golden years while being in the red financially? Yet,…

Thanks to a change in legislation, the choice of whether or not to declare bankruptcy to get rid debt in retirement has become a lot…

Sherry Cooper serves up lots of opinions with her sound recommendations

The key difference between a regular trust and an absolute discretionary trust — or Henson trust, as it is often called — is ownership, says…

Travelling outside North America for medical procedures is becoming increasingly popular

When a loved one dies, go through the grieving cycle at your own pace, say experts

Graeme Treeby helps parents set up Henson trusts for disabled children so they won’t lose provincial benefits

Understanding the unique characteristics of women and their circumstances is key

An approach tailored to the individual is the most effective

Document ensures you’re meeting expectations, opens lines of communication and paves the way for referrals

An overloaded inbox can lead to wasted time and lost messages. Here are some tools to help you organize your e-mail

News

Regulators require companies to provide a fair valuation of the distressed paper in their yearend financial statements

frontierAlt is aiming to increase its fund offerings, while other firms explore the option of entering the market

The Quebec regulator could ask for the merger agreement to be reopened for changes, which could spell trouble

Despite the CSA’s introduction of a national disclosure regime after Bre-X, investors find it provides little protection

2007 saw huge volatility, a surge in global investing and increasing U.S. participation

Robert Krembil, co-founder of Trimark Financial Corp., invests in Tye Bousada’s new investment management firm

Insurers and lawyers disagree about the potential fallout from Alberta court decision

But the allure of a less bureaucratic, more entrepreneurial environment is still appealing

High employment rates are keeping households afloat, but debt is rising

Unlike other insurers that focus on fixed-income vehicles, Manulife has invested in a variety of asset classes

The former Norbourg Group executive was handed a lengthy jail sentence and a hefty fine

Lawyer Paul Dubé, the just-appointed Taxpayers’ Ombudsman, intends to shine a light on taxpayer complaints

Atlantic-based securities dealer hopes to build a national firm

David Goodman of DundeeWealth is aiming for more of the same: strong growth

GrowthWorks Atlantic Venture Fund is aiming to get a piece of Atlantic Canadians’ annual $1.5 billion in RRSP contributions

Provisional liquidator in charge of affair will also oversee Cayman Islands-based hedge fund involved in the scandal

Introduction of North America’s first carbon tax and cuts to income taxes are the key highlights

The combined entity would provide cost-effective services, and possibly fend off competition from B.C.-based CUs

Interest payments on the province’s loan are the third-largest expenditure on its balance sheet

MasterCards issued by credit unions are barred by U.S. embargo laws

Extended non-compete and similar cultures should smooth the merger with Royal Bank of Canada, principals say

Consulting firm sees greater synergies in bringing together all the support services it offers

Management says capital markets are still undervaluing the company’s potential

Despite advisors’ best efforts, extreme nervousness has kept many clients huddling in the safety of cash and low-risk money market funds this RRSP season. Shocked…

There are better survival tactics than taking refuge in cash

Yet another federal group will work on a national securities regulator

The IMF’s report homes in on lax enforcement, and also calls for a national securities regulator

Peer-to-peer lending has arrived