March 2016

Investment research

Every section of the Canadian and U.S. stock markets has been knocked out of bullish trends or pushed further down

As sentiment eventually gives way to reality, interest rates will rise, which will fuel a rebound in banking stocks

With their falling share prices, high-quality global small- and mid-cap stocks may present appealing options for clients willing to look beyond large companies

News

A large proportion of middle-income Canadians nearing retirement are at risk of sliding into poverty. And this problem is expected to balloon in the coming…

The high-yield bond market is being infected by the grim circumstances facing energy firms with high debt levels. The trick is to find the survivors

The relative pricing of Canadian assets, accessible leverage markets and a weak C$ are leading investors into private equity

Last year's decline in Canadian equities markets was a tailwind for active managers of large-cap equity funds

PMAC says that changes are needed to spur participation in PRPPs, which have failed to gain much traction

The resiliency in much of the country is the result of the concentration of oil production in only a few regions

Rule changes create opportunities, but they may not be available or suitable

The allegation that so-called "active portfolio managers" are simply hugging the index is not new, but becoming increasingly important

Canadian regulators levied much more in monetary penalties and ordered more disgorgement and compensation in 2015

Basing a strategy on currency swings often is a fool's game, but the drop in the C$ vs the US$ is something that cannot be…

Focus on Products

An imperfect start to financial planning regulation is better than none

TD Asset Management Inc. of Toronto has integrated nine of its TD Private Funds into its TD Mutual Funds lineup. The nine funds have been…

Montreal-based National Bank Investments Inc. (NBI) has announced several changes to two of its mutual funds. On March 4, BNY Mellon Asset Management Canada Ltd.…

Toronto-based Sun Life Global Investments (Canada) Inc. has launched two new low-volatility mutual funds. Sun Life MFS Low Volatility Global Equity Fund and Sun Life…

Toronto-based CIBC Asset Management Inc. has announced management changes to two of its mutual funds. As of April 1, Los Angeles-based Causeway Capital Management LLC…

Toronto-based BMO Asset Management Inc. has added two ETFs to its product shelf. BMO Low Volatility International Equity Hedged to CAD ETF invests in international…

Economic conditions may improve in the second half of 2016

Building Your Business

Asking the right types of questions during conversations with clients can turn a simple meeting into a session that builds trust and helps both you…

David Gorveatte has used a steady, methodical approach - with lots of ongoing client contact - to build his financial advisory practice in Fredericton. He…

Advising clients who are self-employed can involve issues from cash flow to managing their savings. Reviewing strategies with these clients can boost their earnings -…

Many clients who are put off by the cost of permanent insurance still should review their insurance needs annually to assess whether or not they…

Having evolved and matured greatly from simple computer viruses, malware now poses a variety of threats. Protect yourself with multiple layers of defence, as no…

High net-worth clients often own their own businesses or are key, very highly paid employees who are crucial to the success of a company. This…

There are a number of tax strategies that clients often overlook at filing time. There also are some wrinkles this year as a result of…

Using the phone or the computer to connect with individuals you do not know can still be done, despite restrictions on this type of prospecting.…

The amounts and types of food you eat before and after a workout can make a significant difference in the benefits you gain from exercising

Almost everything that's written and presented on the topic of succession planning offers advice to advisors who are leaving the business. But the role of…

Front Page

Dividend reductions may cause difficult client conversations

Delays in launching the CCMR may boost costs for participants

Traditional financial services firms are seeking robo-advisors

Comment & Insight

Spring is around the corner, and as the Easter Bunny prepares to wow little ones with brightly coloured eggs and a wealth of chocolate, some…

Although Quebecor scion and PQ leader Pierre Karl Péladeau has run into political headwinds, he shows no signs of leaving

B.C. can boast a balanced budget and a thriving economy. Now, it's time to loosen the purse strings in time for a 2017 election

Instead of worrying about the upcoming budget, the focus should be on long-term reform for Canada's economy