May 2008

Comment & Insight

A remarkable 50% of proxy battles are won by dissident shareholders

Ditch the electric toothbrush and lose 80 pounds!

Critics blame discount suds for a sharp upswing in binge drinking

Premier Brad Wall and his Saskatchewan Party government narrowly avoided disaster last month, even though the province is enjoying boom times. They were shaken with…

The fracas over ABCP losses might even jump-start the creation of a single securities regulator

Editors's letter

The old debate over co-operation among the Atlantic provinces heats up again

Common sense dictates that Canada should have a single securities regulator. But as much sense as the idea makes in principle, its advocates only undermine…

Investment research

The company is aiming to double in size by acquisitions and organic growth

This tried and tested method reveals safety and returns

The flight from credit-related investments means the usual rules don’t apply

The caution of buyers and lenders may provide opportunities for options traders

But depressed share prices are creating some buying opportunities

Although it’s still early days for water-related technology companies, opportunities are increasing

News

Product suitability issues are on top of clients’ minds

Once a promising concert pianist, Monique Leroux aims to build presence across Canada

Outsourcing and offshoring are seen to be crucial in keeping up with global competition

> Financial Stability ForumTransparency: Encourage firms to boost risk disclosures. Regulatory cooperation: The FSF and IMF will intensify their cooperation on financial stability.> Basel Committee…

The U.S. government’s bailout of the investment bank introduces a new take on the notion of “too big to fail”

Employees of Assiniboine Credit Union show strong support for fair trade practices

But market losses, unsuitable investments and a bankruptcy within a portfolio can’t be addressed through these funds

But Ontario is taking the approach of balancing the industry’s and consumers’ needs

Five years in the making, deal to merge IDA and RS needs only provincial approval

Corporate-class funds to be distributed by firm’s European subsidiary

The deal reflects a general trend toward consolidation among smaller MGAs

Despite pronounced objections to the deal in its early days, the deal is to be finalized without a hitch

Gaps and weaknesses in regulation and supervision have contributed to the crisis in credit markets

Slammed by massive redemptions, the once legendary firm is banking on new talent

Risk-averse Canadian funds failed to benefit from the strong surge in commodities

For Rick Annaert, President and CEO of Waterloo, Ont.-based Manulife Securities International Ltd., the summer promises to be a busy one. Over the next several…

Transamerica Life says it’s in better position now

New committee will seek input on issues of importance to clients

While Ontario moves toward allowing more certifications against banks and others, Quebec is pulling back

AIM Funds Management’s idea would create more opportunities for more industry players, it says

Despite the intriguing opportunities in the U.S., many will think twice — given current market conditions

The Alberta-based firm is continuing to expand its reach into small-town Western Canada

As technology leaps ahead, established exchanges may enter into more deals with faster upstarts

Focus on Products

Regulators silent so far on investor protection issues

Bright spots for some insurers are the new guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit plans

IFIC wonders if investors will benefit from the suggested requirements

Volatile markets have pushed some investors to boost cash holdings dramatically

Bull and bear versions of BetaPro’s funds offer magnified returns based on gains or losses of a number of indices

“In the here and now, our focus is a kind of ‘safety first’ approach to stock selection,” says one fund manager

BMO U.S. Equity Fund gets the nod over Ethical American Multi-Strategy Fund because of decreased risk, reasonable MER

Changes to MeritageMontreal-based Altamira Financial Services Inc. has announced that Capital International Global Equity Fund will replace Trimark Fund, and CI American Small Companies Fund…

Some retirees may want more money up front and less down the road

Building Your Business

Winnipeg’s Gary Golden shares with clients the lessons he learned as a member of rock band Harlequin

Sponsoring an athlete can provide national exposure while boosting staff morale

Gary Golden, an advisor with Credential Financial Securities Inc. in Winnipeg, uses three rules of thumb when helping clients manage their money. > Don’t let…

Use the walls of your office to tell stories about clients fulfilling their dreams — not to sell products

They should consider what type of eldercare options they may prefer and how they plan to pay for them

For years, you have been told by coaches and consultants that the rule of referrals is: ask and you shall receive. Or at least, you…

An affluent new senior citizen seeks ways to increase spending power without risk

A legal expert offers timely advice aimed at avoiding disputes with clients

A stay in a U.S. hospital can cost $10,000 a day; provincial plans cover only a fraction of that

If exercise machines and pricey gym memberships aren’t for you, get a workout through your favourite outdoor activities

Several affordable encryption programs are available to protect the information on your computer, server, PDA and cellphone

Your old computer equipment could become hazardous waste. Keep it out of landfills by using a recycling program

Jake Davidson learned that the most effective way to increase the average size of client accounts or sales is to expand into a market with…

Why do some clients willingly offer referrals, while others don’t? There’s more to it than satisfaction. It depends on whether the client is “engaged”

Identify potential clients in your market and map out a plan to connect with them

How much money will be needed in retirement? There is no simple formula

Learning children’s names, hobbies can deepen relationships

Brokerage Report Card

Advisors’ views on their firms’ advertising vary depending on their brokerage’s business model

How the Brokerage Report Card is done

Advisors are no longer placing a greater emphasis on the financial support they receive when moving firms

But not all advisors are happy with the new platforms their firms have introduced — and the scores show it

But moves toward offering statements online and customization could change advisors’ perceptions

But the percentage of advisors holding financial planning designations has declined considerably over the past five years

Special incentive programs such as bonuses, trips and exclusive clubs have gained in prominence

If a brokerage offers clients banking products, there is a chance the firm could become the clients’ primary financial institution

Scores for support for insurance planning are up, as is advisors’ insurance revenue

Advisors continue to rate equity research strongly; scores for mutual fund research improve

The independent brokerage has made significant gains, thanks to the stability brought by its new parent firm

Advisors dole out lower marks and make investment dealers pay for their involvement with the credit crisis

Banks offer full-fledged programs for green advisors; the boutiques let experienced producers do the mentoring

Despite the volatile economy, advisors have higher average AUM per household and more higher-end clients

Even when their firms aren’t affected, advisors feel like they are fighting fires