Home Newspaper September 2010

September 2010

Comment & Insight

Even if the premier wins a defamation suit against a former minister, he could lose power first

Already running a deficit, the province is spending more to support farmers

Despite the difficulty of reaching consensus, multilateral financial reform is crucial

Investment research

The massive U.S. debt that continues to accumulate could eventually lead to the downfall of U.S. treasuries

The conversion to corporate status is fully underway; the main impact thus far is an expected drop in payouts

Although it would appear that VXX tracks the CBOE’s volatility index, the degree of the move can be quite different

Focus on Products

Investors may be ignoring solid company fundamentals, says a manager of one science and technology mutual fund

Markets in Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan) have produced better returns

New manager at Dynamic Funds

Despite the gruelling market conditions, stocks have not fallen out of favour with fund managers

Three reasons usually given for investing in gold need close examination

Some Canadian equity fund managers aren’t along for the ride

Building Your Business

Most financial advisors are not particularly good at managing their own finances

What sets you apart from the advisors your prospect is already working with?

Recent advances in video email and videoconferencing can give a big boost to client communications

Denzil Feinberg draws his clients from across the country

Denzil Feinberg

Users claim thermal accupressure massage beds provide relief from muscle and joint pain and a host of other conditions

Personality testing dos and don'ts

Trolling for new clients can be expensive; effective client retention strategies can lead to referrals

Anecdotes and solutions to problems are key to getting readers’ attention

Although $50,000 annual target could be met, advisors say, clients may have to take equity out of their home

New book uses a compilation approach to a complex issue for clients

Three popular personality tests

Personality testing can help you choose the right candidate for the job and improve the way you communicate and interact with your staff

News

The firm has obtained more than $1 billion in AUM by launching only four mutual funds — with no marketing department

Financial services veteran Doug Conick says the bank can give advisors “a leg up” with clients

CLIEDIS is a step closer to working with mutual fund industry’s long-standing electronic service provider

U.S., Britain and Australia take action

Desire for instant gratification and lack of vision are key obstacles, new study reveals

Most parents want to pay for their children’s post-secondary education, but many don’t have a plan

Survey finds that 60% of participants are using social media

Canadian financial institutions may have to report the holdings of their U.S. clients to the IRS starting in 2013

Even those convinced of a recovery see an increase in the risks it will fade; some compare U.S. woes to Japan’s “lost decade”

But KPMG notes that it doesn’t necessarily expect to be able to sell the assets at their full valuation

Although the financial services industry wants to take the lead on improving literacy, others are skeptical

Although some firms and individuals are struggling to meet the new requirements, others may be drawn to the market

Advisors may be unprepared for impending conflict-of-interest rules

Using social media for business can be complex. Now there’s help for newbies

Firm reaches candidates with a “warm call”

Special Feature

There are issues of concern for advisors who work outside urban Canada

Although seg funds with guaranteed income have been the recent story in insurance, the trend is shifting (includes chart)

The pre-eminence of market conditions as a factor in the trajectory of advisors’ businesses is evident when looking at the channels (includes chart)

And two categories have risen in terms of advisor discontent (includes chart)

All signs indicate an economic recovery, but the bull market and its benefits are still elusive (includes chart)

Some industry execs see having older advisors as a benefit, but some observers say a shortage of fresh blood will cause problems (includes chart)

Reps point to personal support from executives and client educational materials (includes chart)

Many advisors say their firm’s due diligence efforts on new products are solid, but others say they go too far (includes chart)

Advisors say firms are putting additional resources into support for helping clients reach — and thrive in — retirement