Desjardins Funds today said it accrued $82.1 million in net sales during the month of November 2005, increasing total assets to $8.2 billion.

This amount is higher than the amount announced by the Investment Funds Institute of Canada, which reported total assets of $6.6 billion.

Desjardins said the discrepancy stems from the fact that the IFIC’s report on Desjardins Funds includes neither the assets of the Desjardins Select Funds, nor those of the funds that are co-branded with CI and Fidelity.

Desjardins added that November was an important month for the Desjardins Funds, with the marketing of the new Diapason Retirement Program. The turnkey retirement income management service, comprised entirely of Desjardins Funds, is designed for members who are early retirees or retirees, and who, after having accrued capital throughout their career, are now faced with a reversal of their situation.

“At this stage of life, it is important to reduce the fluctuations of one’s portfolio, but it is equally important to maximize one’s capital. Early retirees or retirees are faced with new issues and realities. This is why Desjardins is offering them a genuine plan allowing them to add longevity to their capital, see it grow and benefit from extra income,” said Marc Dubuc, vp marketing, Desjardins Funds, in a release.

http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/December2005/06/c3947.html