June 2006

Investment research

But when equity markets start to take a downturn, bonds will shine even if they have generated small short-term losses

Commodity price meltdown could stun stocks

But a glut of production starting in 2008 could substantially depress the price of the base metal

But couple may be underestimating the cost of two homes and an active lifestyle

Focus on Products

The aging of the baby boomers could create investment opportunities

Investors seeking exposure to small-caps have to hunt a bit harder as several popular funds close their doors to new money

Fund managers see beyond currency movements to find solid investment in the U.S.

Health of corporate America continues to grow despite rising rates and higher energy prices

The OSC seems to have lost sight of its investor-protection mandate

Toronto-based Hartford Investments Canada Corp. has announced that Matthew Hudson will assume joint responsibility for the day-to-day investment decisions of Hartford Global Leaders Fund. Hudson…

Ethical Funds Co., a Vancouver-based socially responsible mutual fund company, has announced that Highstreet Asset Management Inc., based in London, Ont., will be the new…

HSBC Bank Canada has launched its High Rate Savings Account with a 3.1% interest rate for balances up to $1 million. There is no minimum…

Mackenzie Financial Corp. is calling a shareholder meeting June 22 to discuss a change in the investment objectives of Conservative Folio Fund, Moderate Folio Fund,…

Real Asset Investment Management Inc. has changed its name to Inhance Investment Management Inc. The Vancouver-based socially responsible investment company says its new name “better…

News

No capital gains relief yet, but experts welcome changes on donated securities and dividend treatment

The Goodman Institute of Investment Management has been named a CFA program partner school by the U.S.-based Chartered Financial Analyst Institute, the first in Canada…

New jobs for Barb Mason and Jane Rowe show bank’s commitment to equal opportunity

But next budget will presumably reveal more about how the new government is expected to proceed

More advisors need training in derivatives in order to meet the needs of an aging population, Montreal Exchange president argues

Winnipeg’s Blackwood Wealth Planning targets affluent business owners and professionals

Its traditional small-town Quebec, francophone market is saturated, the credit union group says

Creates Canada’s second-largest economic zone

Can the canadian economy continue to grow if the loonie goes to par with the U.S. dollar?Montreal-based National Bank Financial Ltd. thinks so. It’s forecasting…

Harper government indicates its interest in establishing a single regulator

Growth through acquisition in insurance industry abroad, and through mutual fund deals at home

How can regulators be made more responsive to the industry and investors?

Squabbles about issues such as where to locate the regulator seem to overshadow prospects for a more efficient, effective system

The pro-industry part of the old Investment Dealers Association of Canada is now a stand-alone entity

The Investor Town Hall gave retail investors a rare chance to vent to regulators about the system, but much still remains to be done

Comment & Insight

The merger of the IDA and RS begs the question of whether the MFDA is next

Toronto’s residential and hotel boom continues unabated as new office developments shun the core

Premier Jean Charest hopes hydro can put the spark back in his government

The fact that the fund dealer business has long succeeded, seemingly in spite of itself, has always been oddly reassuring. It represented a repudiation of…

Time to restock the basement shelter with dog biscuits, potato chips and bottled water

Maritime province puts lid on power rate hike applications and encourages alternative energy

Life never fails to amaze me. Here we are — fiscally engaged members of our community, concerned about the economic well-being of our country. We…

Edmonton company is on the hot seat over its clinical trials

Building Your Business

From electronic business cards to podcasts — the new ways to reach your clients and prospects

Although cost is important, LifeGuide also indicates value for money

Choosing the right smartphone is important if you want to be as connected at the lake as you are in the office

Rehabilitation period can provide opportunity for advisor and family to develop living arrangements for an elderly client

With accreditation, advisors can assist divorcing couples — and develop a new business niche

Artificial tears and proper cleansing can help ease symptoms that are often caused by the office environment

Deliver a clear message, be well prepared, speak in a warm tone of voice

When Don and Rick Page joined their father’s firm, their training included learning Dad’s eight-step wealth-enhancement program

But before implementing this strategy, be certain your client will be able to comply with all of the restrictions involved

Help clients calculate when to open an RESP, where to find funds to contribute and how to get government grants

Pools say they account for more than half of all RESPs — despite complaints over marketing, fees

Business owners, professionals and executives can reap benefits from IPPs

Clients may need some persuading to invest with James O’Shaughnessy’s 20-year perspective

Everyone needs a vacation, but every advisor has a different solution to the summer holiday dilemma

Doctors didn’t respond well to financial planner’s campaign of direct mail, seminars and dropping by unannounced

Gain access to your office, home or laptop computer from anywhere in the world using one these software programs

Special Feature

An investment policy statement shows that both advisor and client understand the objectives of the portfolio

While all sides have their supporters, most experts favour strategic over tactical, active over passive approaches

Choosing investments based on how they behave in relation to one another can reduce risk

Building a benchmark not only helps you track returns; it also helps you build stronger client relationships

Within each asset class, there are varying levels of risk

Investors are often unaware of their risk tolerance

The right mix of assets can reduce downside risk and produces better returns over the long term

From asset allocation to return on investment — understanding the terms and concepts is critical

Programs range from the basic to the sophisticated with a big-picture financial planning approach

Whether the client is in the accumulation or disbursement stage will determine the portfolio’s strategy

Deciding which assets go inside your client’s RRSP and which remain unregistered will have a significant impact on returns

From risk assessment to asset allocation, advisors share their practical approaches to building and managing portfolios

Clients must overcome a natural urge to cling to today’s winners and dump losers if they want to win in the long run

Dealers’ Report Card

Investment executive’s research team had a busy month putting together the results of the 2006 Planners’ Report Card. Armed with lists of hundreds of advisors…

But for those firms that still use outside referrals, their internal rules are far stricter

Some companies prefer rookies, while others want seasoned advisors

Equity in the firm is also a top consideration for many advisors

Even though some firms scored highly, advisors say client account statements could use some improvement

Laurentian, Peak advisors identify some hurdles

From full-service banking to GICs only

More regulatory activity seen as a hindrance by some, a help by others

Many advisors surveyed in this year’s Planners’ Report Card are moving toward the IDA platform

PFSL planners give their Mississauga-based company top marks for its technology tools

With client base growth exceeding asset growth, advisors at planning firms are seeing declining productivity

Finding the right blend of attributes for its advisors is one key contributing factor

But other areas of importance that scored higher in last year’s survey dropped sharply this time around