July 2009

Building Your Business

Advisors can learn from coaches who succeed at the highest levels of sports

Some advisors say seminars are making a comeback, but with a few timely tweaks; tips to gain control of your inbox

Prices are down by as much as 40% in Florida, but Canadian buyers must be aware of tax, estate and other implications

A well-structured meeting can instil feelings of confidence in a client, which can in turn strengthen the client’s relationship with you.“We want the client to…

Goals that include children, vacations, education, a second home, an estate and a comfortable retirement need trimming

Tie up loose ends and be clear on whether you should be contacted

Comment & Insight

Many retail clients lost significantly less than did institutions and stock market indices

IIROC bans on brokers with criminal records are overturned by the securities regulator

Nova Scotians have painted the province orange and made a clear statement about who they want guiding them through a recession: Darrell Dexter, the 51-year-old…

The Bixi bike rules in Montreal this summer — but not everyone is happy

Focus on Products

But money managers say fund performance will depend on the scope and pace of the global recovery

TD terminates funds

They’re more volatile than government or investment-grade corporate issues

Investment research

With government debt yields at record lows, investors are choosing corporates

When you understand how options are priced, the rationale for the performance of Direxion’s bull and bear ETFs becomes apparent

Analysts suggest investing in companies that manufacture plasma and LCD panels because of supply and demand dynamics

Report Card on Banks & CUs

Top-performing firms have up-to-date systems and solid support that advisors find very useful

The overall average rating for the category took the biggest tumble of all in this year’s Report Card (includes chart)

Improved ratings for some firms are the result of the deposit-taking institutions placing a greater emphasis on advisors’ services

Most firms have not lowered their incentive standards for mutual funds as a result of the downturn (includes chart)

The stability of Canada’s banks has led many clients to consolidate their accounts with advisors at deposit-taking institutions (includes chart)

CIBC and Scotiabank advisors feel quite differently about their firms

Lower ratings and gaps between importance and performance scores reveal much displeasure (includes main chart)

News

A few show gains, but most still mopping up

Warren Thomson, who takes the helm as Manulife CIO, sees opportunities

Eleven credit unions participated in a program to help Third World CUs

Tough markets hit hard

Proposals to change mutual fund disclosure among this summer’s initiatives

Proposed economic and regulatory reforms create uncertainty for the financial services industry

Although the move is positive for the Canadian insurer, it is not a game-changer

Will banks boost marketing programs?

A raft of changes to the Canada Pension Plan will provide more flexibility for those who ease into retirement