Home Newspaper December 2011

December 2011

Comment & Insight

Sixty per cent of the human brain is fat. So, go ahead: Dig in — it’s good for you

Making sure consumers have a sound understanding of financial products will benefit this industry as well

It has been a year to remember in Winnipeg for so many reasons, but one very large fly has appeared in the champagne.

Fish processing is a bright spot in a troubled province

Premier Jean Charest has finally called a public inquiry into corruption and bid-rigging in Quebec’s construction industry

This Canadian government will do what its predecessors have had to do: Patiently deal with our fickle neighbour as best it can

Investment research

The approach used by these funds restrict the portfolio manager’s ability to use other active or alpha-generating approaches

Banks, REITs and pipeline companies are expected to continue delivering strong dividends in the year ahead

The problems of 2008 and 2011 are not that different. Have credit-rating agencies learned their lessons this time around?

The use of different accounting rules is making the financial situation of Manulife, Sun Life and other firms quite unclear

Focus on Products

Toronto-based Dynamic Mutual Funds Ltd. has expanded its product lineup with the launch of three new funds

Using age-morphed photos of clients can turn focus to retirement

Is the risk versus governments worth it?

The aging populations in developed countries may make investing in the health-care sector seem like a no-brainer.

Although these funds provide a healthy cushion in tough times, they limit upside potential when markets are rising

Volatile markets have taken much of the shine off small-caps. But there are reasons to consider these “riskier” investments

Building Your Business

Gathering important information can be a nightmare for executors and holders of POAs if documents are not organized. You can help by steering clients toward…

Plantar fasciitis is a common problem that can affect anyone who spends long periods on their feet. There is treatment, but the best defence is…

many financial advisors are wary of discount brokerage firms and discourage their clients from using them. These advisors fear their clients will bring serious harm…

Two DundeeWealth advisors in Ancaster, Ont., have teamed up to provide both planning and investment advice to middle-aged, middle-income working families

Now, there’s no excuse for not having a web presence. A new program launched by Google Canada, Royal Bank and various others aims to make…

From hands-free dialling technology to portable printers, these mobile technology gadgets will make you more accessible when you’re out on the road. Just don’t forget…

A 55-year-old management consultant who is single and spends much of her time travelling for work is aiming to save enough money over the next…

Rosemary Smyth’s new book contains advice that could apply to any stage of an advisor’s career. Keep it close at hand

Determining a client’s need for life insurance requires a detailed assessment of assets and liabilities. There is no set formula because every client carries a…

From fancy gifts and e-cards to family events, how you mark the holidays with your clients depends on your style and your clients’ preferences. Here…

Is your financial advisory practice’s strategic planning process stuck in neutral? If so, you may want to ask yourself — and your staff — the…

More than at any time since the 1930s, investors feel that the field is tilted against them. A good way to reassure them is to…

News

Joanne O’Hea is introducing women to the idea of a career in one of the last male bastions — the trading floor

The Bank of Canada has appointed David Beers, currently global head of sovereign and international public finance

Illegal trades not protected by distance

If you use the web for business — who doesn’t? — a recent Supreme Court case should reduce some of your liability concerns

The advisory team of Butler Philbrick and Associates was looking for the right match; Macquarie had the qualities that mattered

The recent acquisition of Market Logics will help Accretive 360 create resources for a new online practice-management platform

Competitors in the CIFP Case Challenge are given a chance to apply the financial planning skills they have learned

Proposed rule changes in B.C. would see a junior insurance advisor operate under a supervisor for at least two years

There are ways to improve a client’s tax picture for all of 2011 by reviewing a range of options before the end of the year

The Federal Court has blocked attempts by the CRA to obtain taxpayer information related to the 10/8 insurance structure

Toronto-based TMX Group Inc. opened an office for the Toronto Stock Exchange and TSX Venture Exchange in Beijing on Nov. 14.

The Canadian securities Administrators is finally launching its review of the primary ways ordinary investors find themselves shopping

Opponents fear a small, powerful group taking control of most of the trading and listing business and all of the clearing business

FAIR Canada wants better protection for investors who borrow

Securities regulators have struggled mightily to improved point-of-sale disclosure for mutual funds

Hanif Mamdani, lead manager of PH&N High Yield Bond Fund and Investment Executive’s 2011 Fund Manager of the Year, refuses to overpay for securities, no…