June 2015

Investment research

As the world awaits the next Fed move, bond managers share their strategies

Finding shelter when the bond bull market ends is a priority. Some suggest the place to be is Government of Canada bonds

The biotech industry has had a strong run. Although some stocks may start slowing, others still have potential upside

Although growth in the U.S. looks positive, many variables could keep prices for commodities, including oil, low

Focus on Products

RBC Global Asset Management Inc. (RBCGAM) of Toronto now offers a corporate-class version of RBC Balanced Growth & Income Fund. Created in 2013, RBC Balanced…

Toronto-based Purpose Investments Inc. has launched two international investment funds. Purpose International Dividend Fund invests in high-quality international companies outside of Canada and the U.S.…

Portfolio managers say that the interest rate hike expected this autumn is already priced into the market

Toronto-based Fidelity Investments Canada ULC has unveiled two new funds: Fidelity Global Intrinsic Value Class and Fidelity American Balanced Fund. Fidelity Global Intrinsic Value Class…

Lévis, Que.-based Desjardins Funds has launched a family of four strategic-beta mutual funds. Known as the IBrix Funds, these investment funds use both active and…

Tool incorporates relative portfolio size into calculations

Cash flows from this asset class are more sustainable and predictable

Small-cap fund portfolio managers have a huge range of stocks to choose from

Building Your Business

Getting a financial advisory practice up and running can be discouraging. But if you recognize the stages of this challenging process, setbacks start to look…

As a child, Michael Silicz helped his father to identify prospects for his financial advisory practice. Now, four university degrees and two lawyer jobs later,…

The right combination of devices, security software and applications can give you the edge in the competitive financial advisory business. Combined with a diligent work…

At age 27, Samuel Waxman is building a successful business by focusing on clients within his age group

Getting started as an insurance advisor can be challenging because you are asking your clients to consider their mortality. However, an overwhelming majority of insurance…

Technical knowledge of the financial advisory industry is not enough to build a thriving practice. You also need to develop interpersonal skills, such as listening…

Make time for leisure activities as well as for your business by working leisure into your daily schedule. Making work/life balance a habit can lead…

Joseph Alfie, 28, has been remarkably successful at building a high net-worth practice in less than a decade. He credits persistence, long hours and a…

Every year, building a new financial advisory business becomes more difficult. Advisors who do succeed specialize in niches and offer more than traditional advice

Dealers’ Report Card

Advisors lauded firms that make an effort to let advisors know what's important in a variety of ways

Although most advisors gave their dealer firms' rewards programs a shrug of the shoulder, some consider them appealing

Advisors' complaints about their back offices remained the same as in previous years. Most notably, advisors cited overworked staff, delayed response times and multiple processing…

Financial planning is becoming more important. Advisors said it helps them show the value they provide to their clients

Despite surging equities markets and increasing assets being directed into mutual funds, advisors surveyed for this year's Report Card report a drop in the average…

Advisors went out of their way to praise executives who take the time to develop and maintain personal relationships with them. Such efforts build trust…

About half of the advisors who ply their trade with Canada's mutual fund and full-service dealers have a litany of concerns about the challenges that…

With all but one firm seeing a drop in their rating for delivery on promises, it's clear that firms have to make a greater effort…

Advisors are taking home less in pay this year, but many still lauded their firms for maintaining fair payout structures

How advisors rated their firms

Although advisors are making significant efforts to get ahead in today's challenging environment, their AUM is dropping in value while their firms struggle to deliver…

News

TV cameras will be allowed to record BCSC hearings examining allegations that Global Group ran a Ponzi scheme

A fresh CRM2 debate has arisen among integrated fund dealers

OSC's whistleblower proposal draws friends and foes

Advocis “perplexed” by licensing regime

New CSA head Louis Morisset has a crowded docket to deal with, including consideration of a fiduciary duty for advisors

On the positive side, consumers have more to spend and businessses benefit from lower energy costs

Certain provinces have been given two more years to create a streamlined process for disabled adults to open an RDSP

Updating your website to a mobile-friendly format will ensure it shows up when prospective clients search using Google

RBC says its core equity funds will offer diversified exposure to high-quality securities for clients seeking total return

Comment & Insight

Over the past decade, oil revenue prompted a surge of economic prosperity in Newfoundland and Labrador; the construction sector could not find enough workers, real…

There are lots of tales of airline food and drink of long ago that make chilly French cheese look quite appealing

News of the NDP win rippled around the world. But Alberta experts suggest there won't be a huge departure in business policies

When it comes to long-term care, the real issue is not early death, but long life

The PCs were toppled and the NDP now reigns, with the right-leaning Wildrose Party in Opposition. But more than 50% of voters chose conservative parties

Legislation is aimed at blocking the sale of more than 10 acres of farmland to non-Canadians or institutions. Should it be changed?

Front Page

Liquidity risk raised by the Bank of Canada