Home Newspaper Mid-October 2008

Mid-October 2008

Investment research

There are signs that stability is returning, but investors need to be aware of risks

There are myriad reasons for the growing gap between the prices of metals and of shares in the companies that mine them

But opportunities exist in the current market as companies sell the non-core real assets that Brookfield manages

Although the U.S. restructuring plan is scary, rewards are available for those who are patient and remain calm

There are valid reasons for — and against — buying into the sector at this time

The S&P/TSX Canadian dividend aristocrats subindex has outperformed the S&P/TSX composite index in back-testing

Comment & Insight

For a populace that generally thrives on the blood sport of politics, the past five years had been lean indeed in Newfoundland and Labrador.Ever since…

Canadians can expect to revisit banking mergers, regulation and full economic debates

The salaries of B.C. securities regulators are too high compared with other public servants

Poorly placed and serviced airports are cramping Edmonton’s style and could hinder growth

Focus on Products

IIROC should think hard about the costs and benefits of its proposed rule

Viewing and valuing employment as an asset and portfolio component

Unusual offering from Cymbria Corp. gives investors the opportunity to get a slice of the investment manager

TD Monthly Income Fund and its more modest payouts gets the nod over BMO’s Monthly Income Fund

Mackenzie merges funds

Short-sellers are being blamed for driving down shares of financial services stocks; managers say they’re being used as scapegoats

The prospect of increasing inflation is a big factor in the strength of gold prices, say managers of precious metals funds

Building Your Business

While the feds move ahead with the TFSA, more assistance for families comes from the provinces

Many companies are not taking advantage of Canada’s generous program for funding new research and development

The problem for individuals and companies is finding the most useful program

The new Canada-U.S. Tax Treaty will probably facilitate fund flows between the two countries, largely due to the elimination of the with-holding taxes on most…

Companies may need more frequent annual reviews when it comes to the way they disburse corporate profits

Many Canadians are attracted to U.S. property but need to be aware of the associated costs and taxes

Experts suggest many small-business owners are unaware of the exemption available to them

The range and complexity of taxes that arise on departure can be daunting for affluent clients

Tax Court rules certain awards for children of employees were taxable in hands of students

Contribution periods increased to 31 years; older students, younger siblings may benefit

The TFSA is so flexible, clients of virtually all ages and incomes can find ways to benefit

One report suggests Canadians will have socked away $115 billion in TFSAs by 2013

Accounts expected to create opportunities to communicate with clients and develop “sticky” relationships

Tax professionals and business groups are hoping that a comprehensive review of Canada’s system of taxing international income will help Canadian companies compete abroad more…

Feds follow lead of some provinces, which offer much more access to money; rules vary from province to province

Pre-budget submissions also call for personal income tax reductions, changes to pension income-splitting

Clients may want access to the cash, or to transfer a policy to a child, spouse or charity

The new tax on income trust distributions has become an election issue

But clients should be careful not to run afoul of the CRA’s “superficial loss” rules

News

Oliver Murray intends to become more proactive in dealing with securities regulators

The AMF goes after the scheme’s architects, who are accused of painting false financial portraits of the companies involved

Banyan Tree Foundation and three interlinked companies targeted in class-action lawsuit

With access to 5,000 managers worldwide, firm wants advisors to focus on client relationships

Shifting your mindset to product allocation from asset allocation can be a complex undertaking, but it is precisely the reason why Toronto-based Manulife Financial Corp.…

Progress reports on preparations for the change are required by April 2009

It was meant to restore confidence and shore up the markets. But its imposition has done everything but

Some say suspension of the accounting rule tying value to current markets is crucial

Scotiabank’s purchase of Sun Life’s slice of CI Financial Income Fund gives insurer “firepower” to pursue growth

CSA focuses on rating agencies, exempt markets

Some economic reports draw parallels between Canada and the U.S. housing market; others are more upbeat

Emergency measures to shore up financial services institutions are underway in Britain and on the Continent

A new joint survey by Univeris Corp. and Advisor Impact Inc. shows just how quickly strong client service goals can pay off when advisors set,…

New research indicates 60% of pre-retirement income is plenty

National Bank’s investment management subsidiary is focused on Quebec but aims to expand its market