Home Newspaper January 2012

January 2012

Comment & Insight

A senator has suggested dumping the beaver for the polar bear as our national symbol. But what about the other options?

Canadian financial regulators are hampered by the gridlock that comes with fragmentation. Independent oversight could promote new ways of thinking

It hit me while some telephone installers were wringing their hands over mounting a new satellite dish for me.

B.C. is proposing to create a new financial watchdog for municipal governments. But the cities are none too happy about the implications

Montreal will be celebrating its 375th birthday in 2017. But the current malaise may be tough to shift

The recent agreement to work with the U.S. on a new plan for tighter security and better export flows has a long way to go

News

National and provincial regulators will have more to deal with in 2012 than they’ve had in quite some time

Impending changes to Alberta’s wills and estates legislation should raise some red flags with financial advisors who deal with estate planning, some lawyers there say.

Weak equities markets and a poor economic outlook are affecting earnings and optimism for the year ahead

Calgary-based investment dealer no longer sees the need for an office on the East Coast

More controls over Canadian financial services firms appear to be pending; this is mostly in light of continued volatility

The Tax Court has ruled that the innocent beneficiary of a Ponzi scheme does not owe taxes on her winnings

Major insurer leaves individual life and health market to focus on group insurance and boosting wealth management

Investment research

Given the market’s day-today volatility, it’s no wonder your clients are upset. Perhaps you may even feel atypically confused.

The price of an option hinges on an assumption of volatility, which measures how much the stock price is expected to vary from its current…

If you believe the powers in Europe will be guided by sensible economics, then scoop up euro-linked bonds from solid U.S. names

Once interest rates start rising, the share prices of Great-West Life and Industrial Alliance should bounce back

Focus on Products

Vancouver-based Matrix Asset Management Inc. has launched Matrix Dow Jones Canada High Dividend 50 Fund, a corporate-class fund.

Here are several items to consider in creating your belief system

Careful stock-picking will be crucial to fund performance this year

Building Your Business

With a passion for making a difference in the lives of women, especially divorcees and the elderly, Heather Holjevac has relied on a four-pillar strategy…

A couple in Calgary who plan to retire in five years and move to Lethbridge, Alta., can achieve the goals that they have set for…

Rotator cuff problems are common among older people — and professional athletes

Most business owners planning a sale or nearing retirement, including many financial advisors, are poorly prepared for the transition. This new book can help

Whether you’re buying a book of insurance business or selling one, issues such as the future value of existing relationships are essential to a successful…

If your client experiences a financial windfall, your first task is to prevent him or her from making any rash errors

Abrupt increases in wealth --can bring on emotional turmoil. Putting a financial plan in place can reduce stress and put clients on the path to…

A relationship with a client can change dramatically when the client starts showing signs of mental incapacity and the person with power of attorney wants…

A growing number of elderly people are falling victim to those empowered to look out for them. What can you do to protect your clients?

An inevitable result of a successful practice is that you can’t possibly do everything yourself. If you are concerned that others will not be able…

It may seem impossible, but with proper planning and a disciplined approach, you can double the number of your new clients in 2012 — in…

Front Page

The path for financial advisors to start utilizing social media to bolster their businesses is getting a little clearer, as the regulators are finally setting…

As the Ontario Securities Commission looks to introduce “no contest” settlement agreements in a bid to improve its enforcement performance, this type of settlement is…

Problems overseas will put a damper on 2012 economic expansion