Home Newspaper February 2007

February 2007

Investment research

Despite challenges with its EU ascension campaign, myriad reforms and recent success have made Turkey an attractive choice

Despite the current low-yield environment, it’s advisable to stick with bonds and customary asset allocations

Although the strategy reduced risk and added returns in the 2000-03 bear market, it had a negative impact when markets rose

Companies seeking merger and acquisition partners and those growing in emerging markets are the best bets in this sector

But the sector defied bearish forecasts last year, and some analysts say each base metal should be looked at individually

Growth in demand for oil has fallen markedly in the past two years — to 0.9% in 2006 from 3.9% in 2004 — despite continued…

Nothing will substitute for growth and profitability — and how the market values them — if these measures disappoint

One advisor thinks her goals are achievable only if she inherits an estate; the other believes she won’t have any problems

Comment & Insight

A savvy reporter finds out the tough way that height and good looks equal more pay

There’s nothing more frustrating for a sports fan than waiting. Yet, that’s exactly what followers of professional hockey and football in Winnipeg are being forced…

Mere assertions have resulted in the loss of $35 billion of Canadians’ hard-earned savings

Treaties are crucial to province’s economic growth, but certain deals may trample rights of others

It’s the season to focus on retirement savings — the time of year when investment professionals can show the added value they bring to clients…

Former premier Robert Bourassa merits honour, but not by renaming a historical street after him

There’s been very little for investors cheer about in Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s first year on the job. High commodity prices, a solid stock market…

Re: “Planned merger of SROs a study in contrasts,” by James Langton (IE, January 2007).This article on self-regulatory organizations, contrasting the allegedly “dynamic U.S. system…

Building Your Business

That’s the opinion of full-service brokerage TD Waterhouse Private Investment Advice when it comes to the number of women working in the investment advisory field.…

Ask top clients for in-person introductions — and condition your satisfied new clients to expect a similar request

Ramandeep Banga is making a difference in Calgary among its homeless population, but, beyond success, what he hopes for is to influence others to act…

Infinity advisor Ramandeep Banga has started a program to teach financial and time management, scheduling skills

Reported to be in the next federal budget, DSP would help families provide financial security for their severely disabled children

FP Advantage’s financial planning tools are designed to complement, not replace, comprehensive plans

There are 1.4 million small to medium-sized businesses in Canada. The entrepreneurs who own them — with average annual earnings of $250,000 and average net…

Cajole, intimidate, persuade clients to contribute monthly

“Any financial advisor who is serving business owners needs to ask the right questions,” says Mark Brisley, regional vice president of retail markets at Standard…

Modern applications include dealing with addictions, kicking smoking habit and reducing the pain of medical procedures

Being an executor of an estate is a demanding job, with a lot of responsibility

Develop a trusting relationship — and be sure to show your appreciation in an appropriate manner

True productivity comes from good communication and harnessing the offsetting talents of the team members

You’ve successfully filled that empty desk in the office, and now you want to let clients know about your great hire. Is it time for…

There are times when the team’s leader must step in to get things back on track

The smooth pitch of Mary Kay beauty consultants shows the value of listening, demonstrating, ending on high note

When you’re on the road, it pays to make sure thieves can’t hijack your clients’ personal information

Reduce the likelihood of defection and open the door to new business

Focus on Products

Fund managers expect low interest rates, stable economies and record-low default rates will lead to solid performance

Investment Funds Institute of Canada is overhauling its statistical systems

Research indicates market declines after a negative newspaper column

Investors can pick the investment strategy that best suits their needs

New fund categories make for some interesting comparisons

The two current systems have the potential to create confusion

Trimark Europlus Fund and CIBC European Equity Fund take different approaches to Europe; one is working out far better

TD adds two more fund seriesToronto-based TD Asset Management Inc. has announced two new series of TD Monthly High Income Fund: TD North American Dividend…

News

Banks and other RESP promoters scrambling to verify client eligibility or reclaim monies

AGF Trust president Mario Causarano says his firm won’t try to poach advisors’ clients: “The advisor owns the relationship”

Pay-as-you-go design, combined with an aging population, has put undue pressure on provinces and their pension plans

New middle class of 130 million; 1.2 billion people uninsured; US$2 trillion in cash deposits

Fraud fund will make payouts to only 10% of the scandal-ridden firm’s 9,200 mutual fund investors

Conference Board says Canada should eliminate interprovincial barriers

Investment fund companies are scrambling to find qualified, capable and willing candidates for their independent review committees in the wake of a recent regulatory decision…

“Day-to-day actions of advisors” will be examined, says industry practices review committee head

Asset sales and mezzanine debt financing give hard-luck asset class a boost — just as Ontario scales back program

The latest net fund sales are impressive; market-watchers expect the surge to continue, with banks snaring most of the business

When enacted, Bill C-36 would also amend the Old Age Security Act to simplify access to and delivery of benefits

Provinces are concerned that this would compromise the independence of the CPP

B.C. Court of Appeal allows departing advisors to compile client list — but upholds penalty for copying client records

Three of canada’s biggest banks are slowly but steadily building their U.S. retail bank subsidiaries as they try to stake out a claim in the…

Now that he has launched his own firm and five funds, Larry Sarbit can invest in smaller companies with big potential

Pensioners could split interest from GIAs, which technically are deferred annuities

Accounting changes will show the true picture of a company’s plan — warts, liabilities and all

New CSA rule compels the parties involved in institutional trades to speed up their automation systems

FRAMEWORKS program develops advisors at every stage of their careers