Home Newspaper February 2015

February 2015

Investment research

There's no consensus on the prospects for Latin America and eastern Europe, but there are certain stocks worth a good look

With most analysts downplaying the prospects for U.S. stocks in 2015, financial advisors might want to shift their attention to Europe. With the European Central…

There may be defensive opportunities in parts of the real estate sector and in integrated oil stocks if oil prices stabilize soon

Focus on Products

Potential interest rate hike this year may have only a muted impact

You need to be mindful of strategies that promise too much

Toronto-based First Asset Investment Management Inc. has completed the conversion of First Asset Pipes & Power Income Fund, formerly a closed-end fund, into an ETF.…

Toronto-based PowerShares Canada, a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Invesco Ltd., will terminate PowerShares S&P/TSX Composite High Beta Index ETF and PowerShares S&P 500 High Beta (CAD…

Toronto-based Monegy Inc. has assumed portfolio-management duties for the high-yield bonds held in BMO Canadian Diversified Monthly Income Fund. The investment strategies of this fund…

Winnipeg-based Investors Group Inc. has launched two new mutual funds: Investors U.S. Dividend Registered Fund and Allegro Income Balanced Portfolio Class. Investors U.S. Dividend Registered…

Building Your Business

Trying to do too much at once destroys productivity and reduces the quality of what gets done. Try these techniques to increase your effectiveness and…

Establishing off-site data storage for your business has two key benefits over the use of cloud-based storage providers: Your sensitive files can't be accessed by…

Building a niche practice allows you to use your time and skills to serve a unique group of clients with a common set of characteristics…

Bob Vandewater, an investment advisor with CIBC Wood Gundy in Winnipeg, has spent more than half a century with that firm. His loyalty was inspired…

The most important part of your website is the page with information about you and your team. Make sure it has personal information prospects can…

With women controlling an increasing amount of personal wealth, it becomes more and more important for you to understand their approach to charitable giving so…

Jacob, a 50-year-old widower in Winnipeg with 12-year-old twin daughters, should be able to spend enough to ensure that he and his children will be…

While the core concept of insurance is simple, many clients find the topic confusing and intimidating. Your role is to simplify the sales process so…

When another advisor steps forward and offers to sell you his book, you may be tempted to just say yes. But you should ask several…

News

Doug Leyland wanted to run a small, independent practice. But life in the small dealer world is precarious

Converting to a defined-contribution plan can have a major impact on your clients' retirement. Learn how to help them make the best choices

Toronto-based horizons ETFs Management (Canada) Inc. is on the hunt for a new CEO following the abrupt departure of Adam Felesky, the young and entrepreneurial…

Comment & Insight

Can the involvement of the Caisse as contractor save the province from its myriad infrastructure spending problems?

The public has a right to know about - and take advantage of - this alternative to cancelling a policy

It’s that time of year again: clean house, declutter, clear the decks. For Toronto, that means wading through quite a bit of muck. Newly installed…

A sense of entitlement doesn't work in an economy given to boom and bust. But years of high living have distanced many from basic realities

Report on the Nation

Rising exports to the U.S. and a recovering farming industry are good news. But weather and politics cloud the picture

Public-sector projects are stimulating construction industry growth, but mining is still a major driving force for the territories

Sliding oil prices will hit the Rock hard, but there are some places to shelter. Mining exports should increase in 2015, and there's good news…

Nova Scotia's economy is set to benefit from greater activity in the shipbuilding and offshore gas industries in the years ahead

The growing housing market in the U.S., combined with a lower Canadian dollar, bodes well for New Brunswick

Continued but muted growth is expected for P.E.I., with the aerospace and processed-foods industries as drivers

Rising U.S. demand, cheaper fuel and lower loonie are likely to push the B.C. recovery strongly forward, boosting incomes

Lower prices, from oil and potash to uranium, are crimping growth, although employment and spending remain relatively strong

A recent history of very slow growth is hampering confidence, although there are signs that activity will pick up this year

Diving oil prices will slow everything, from office construction to employment growth. But prices could be back up this year

Front Page

A “best interests” standard may shield senior investors

Internal disciplinary action on the rise

Hitting a positive note in Ontario