March 2006

Comment & Insight

Our neighbourhood hosts an interesting bunch of characters. One of them is Fritz. Mention him at our local pub and a lively conversation is sure…

Income fund governance practices compare favourably with those of public corporations

The size of a grain of rice, the security chip could have some interesting applications

Alberta had expected top economic portfolios in cabinet

Harper must defend against charges of hypocrisy, situational ethics and Liberal-style arrogance

Saskatchewan mine’s focus on safety and communications set it apart from West Virginia mine

If challenge to settlement with BCSC had succeeded, hundreds of others might have tried

Investment research

Three-year market rally accompanied by rise in dividend increases

Couple needs to make important decisions now to reach their objectives

But with ever-present political uncertainty, these stocks present challenges

With the country buying and producing these goods at a greater rate, companies are putting more stock in this Asian tiger

With the yield curve flat, special sense is needed to find both better safety and higher returns

Among other things, it is no longer appropriate to let out-of-the-money options expire

Special Feature

There are many ways to generate energy, but investing in those that will be profitable in the long term may involve some guesswork

Energy analysts say the market’s concerns about terrorism, capacity and political uncertainty are causing oil to sell at a sharp premium

Price, feasibility and environmental impact play a role in development of energy sources of the future

Each of us uses a huge amount of resources, but there are simple things we can do to cut consumption

Fund managers offer advice about which energy industry groups to recommend to clients and which to avoid

Money invested in ways to lower energy consumption can bring an investment return of more than 25%, experts say

Numerous reports paint a future that will see the world race to find or develop new energy supplies to meet relentless demand

Focus on Products

Claymore Investment Inc. has launched a new exchange-traded fund, ClaymorETFs FTSE RAFI Canadian Index Fund. The fund has selected the FTSE RAFI Canada index as…

Some managers remain keen on the dividend stable, but others are betting that the bigger returns may be outside the country

Ethical Funds Co. in Vancouver has announced a change in the management of Ethical Global Equity Fund. Effective April 18, Manning & Napier Advisors Inc.…

Vancouver-based Qtrade Fund Management Inc. has changed the portfolio manager of its QFM funds. Effective immediately, OceanRock Capital Partners Inc., also of Vancouver, will step…

Opposition to a single securities regulator crumbles before Crawford proposals

Even though these two dividend funds already have seen great returns, boosting the tax credit would do wonders for their potential

Look for last year’s best-performing ETF and hold it throughout the year

Company known for handling high net-worth clientele opens division that offers accounts for investors with $100,000 or more

TD Asset Management Inc. has appointed Highstreet Asset Management Inc. as portfolio advisor of TD Private Canadian Strategic Opportunities Fund, effective Feb. 16. Highstreet is…

More than a year after closing Northwest Specialty Equity Fund, Toronto-based Northwest Mutual Funds Inc. has announced the fund will reopen, effective Feb. 24. The…

Toronto-based Mavrix Fund Management Inc. will begin offering F-class units for nine of its funds, effective immediately. The funds include: Mavrix Dividend & Income Fund;…

Toronto-based RBC Asset Management Inc. will wind up RBC Private U.S. Equity Pool on April 28. The company cites the pool’s small size and limited…

Value and growth managers have different perspectives on where the market is going, and what makes a good investment

Bernard Greene has been named manager of the Newfoundland and Labrador portfolio of GrowthWorks Atlantic Venture Fund, effective immediately. “The fund is committed to a…

It boosts retirement savings — and it’s good business for advisors

Building Your Business

Forced into “retirement,” Michael Mulcahy grows a thriving advisory practice

Advisors can promote education, wiser spending choices, better savings strategies and borrowing for the future

The best place to sniff out financial documents on the Web is getting bigger by the day

Microsoft’s Tablet PC operating system has not sold in huge numbers, yet the product has a number of hidden charms

Grab bars in bathrooms, wider doorways for wheelchairs, call-in emergency systems all add to seniors’ independence

You’re in the business of trust — so show you trust your team with key jobs

“We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails” — and other uplifting quotations

Promising career was almost derailed when advisor tried to manage all aspects of his new advisory practice

Important tax considerations for clients who receive this type of remuneration from their employers

Although a stake through the heart might tempt, there are better ways to deal with a problem client

Sick building syndrome can cause headaches, dizziness, fatigue and irritation of the eyes, nose and throat

When set up properly, a trust can preserve estate capital and help ensure the needs of intended beneficiaries are met. By learning about trusts, you…

News

Exclusion of ETF or index-fund expenses are skewing the results, industry observers argue

Legislation will require anyone who deals in mortgages to be licensed

New president says the products are going to be designed with advisors’ input in mind

New chairman says the Canadian Association of Income Funds will have a full menu of items over the next few years

Families receiving the GIS are generally more financially vulnerable than other families headed by seniors

Campbell government keeps firm hand on purse strings despite strong economy and demands for tax cuts

It’s a source of provincial patriotism for some, but the IDA notes it’s a risky place to put RRSP money

New owner of ClaringtonFunds tells Seamark it will move funds’ business elsewhere

The benefits of being an energy-rich country may mask structural economic problems that must be addressed in coming years

Executive vice president wants to make CIBC the leading advice-based distributor by focusing on its clients’ needs

Third paper on possible conflicts of interest gives insurance industry more room to watch its own house

Bank of Nova Scotia picks up mortgage firm; TD Bank Financial Group chooses car-financing company

Fifth Third Bancorp offers U.S. and Canadian firms seamless cross-border banking

Being owned by Great-West Lifeco — and supported by two of its vast life insurance subsidiaries — allows fund firm to move ahead

CBA, Advocis: two surveys, two results

20% won’t repay money despite penalties

Canadians sock away billions — but how long can the bonanza last?

And it’s preparing for the next chapter in its history: hiring its first full-time investor education specialist

Three years of very impressive profits would be very difficult to match, says Henri-Paul Rousseau

Banks didn’t allow for penalty-free annual prepayment privileges, Ottawa lawyer argues

Bringing in new blood while keeping old hands happy is more fruitful than raiding rivals for veterans, says managing director