Home Newspaper February 2011

February 2011

Comment & Insight

The house of commons may have been empty for the Christmas adjournment, but January was a busy month just the same on Parliament Hill as…

Residents of Canada’s most western province are asking why their provincial government has given casinos $400 million in funding

Intermediate exploration and production companies dangle the promise of cash yield with capital appreciation

More than ever, Canadians need to educate themselves about basic financial planning concepts if they are to create a secure future

Sales of condos in Montreal are growing at a rapid rate. But will rising prices, interest rates and changing mortgage rules put an end to…

The insistent whine of the drill engenders the chief fear of dentistry, which has traumatized this poor writer since he was a child

Investment research

National Bank and Laurentian are putting much weight on enhancing the in-branch experience

What should a bond investor do in this market? If the goal is safety, buy short-term Canadian federal bonds; foreign debt may not be a…

The rise in crude oil prices and the broad economic recovery are leading to a healthy rebound for oil and gas stocks

When investing in a hedge fund, you need to understand its strategy

Special Feature

Report on the Nation 2011

With less government support, New Brunswick’s economy is expected to slow. But energy and technology may offset the decline

Thanks to a little help from the province, Nova Scotia’s IT and professional services sectors are growing at a healthy rate

Diamonds, gold and base metals warm the North’s bright future, while rising government spending drives infrastructure

Construction and agrifood are main drivers, but a dip in “clean energy” projects could reduce capital spending

Newfoundland and Labrador predicts strong increases in its GDP this year, although the province’s unemployment rate remains among the highest

Although the manufacturing industry is regaining lost ground, mining has become a huge economic driver

But two of La Belle Province’s biggest sectors — aerospace and natural resources — are finally seeing a much expected recovery

With the Olympics over and housing and government spending set to slow, B.C.’s growth will be lower but still stable in 2011

With commodities in demand, a rising population and foreign investment interest still strong, the province of wheat, potash and oil is poised for a prosperous…

Brighter signs in the U.S., a rising population and better crops could boost Manitoba’s economy in 2011 and beyond

Alberta will continue to reap the rewards of higher oil prices in 2011, economists say, with the anticipated rebound in activity in the oilpatch having…

Focus on Products

Dynamic Funds, the top performer, attributes its success last year to encouraging managers to follow their beliefs

Investors need to know that stocks with big dividend yields are not less volatile than stocks in general

But managers of high-yield fixed-income funds suggest that investors be cautious in 2011

Advisors should look at the historical performance of asset classes before rushing into stocks

News

Investment Executive’s sister publication names Jean-Guy Desjardins the 2010 Quebec Financial Person of the Year

Some observers say there’s no evidence dark pools are harming market quality in Canada — and restricting them stifles innovation

New BMO product is designed to deal with clients’ concerns about security of retirement income

A “feat of financial engineering” has led the firm to “the cusp of profitability” with $845 million in AUM

Many clients are confused about how to use these accounts

Britain’s FSA is considering more intrusive measures

PRPPs an attempt to come up with a lower-cost solution than the retail market's

The former top boss at the Montreal Exchange is now responsible for developing and maintaining corporate ties at National Bank

Building Your Business

While clients are eager to support the causes they are passionate about, advisors are reluctant to start the “giving” conversation. The best way for you…

Using business metrics can help financial advisors keep track of such things as assets under administration, attrition rates, and client and practice profitability, as well…

Those who have graduated from the School of Hard Knocks have faced and overcome some serious challenges. Here’s what you can learn from their experiences

Marc Lamontagne, a true believer in the fee-based model for financial advisors, is committed to helping other advisors make the transition. “The only fees we…

Osteoporosis affects one in four women and one in eight men over age 50. The condition cannot be prevented, but its effects can be lessened…

Using “voice over Internet protocol” services offers many advantages over the traditional telephone line, including flat-rate calling, cheap long-distance calls and the ability to conduct…

Sometimes prospects seem to take forever to make up their minds. Follow these steps to move the process along without rushing or appearing desperate

A financial advisor who had put an end to an incentive-based compensation program during the recession is now looking for a more appropriate way to…

The aging population controls a growing proportion of the investible assets in Canada; retaining these older Canadians as clients means making efforts to meet their…