Home Newspaper November 2006

November 2006

Investment research

Hedge funds employ huge arrays of computers using elaborate and arcane mathematics to measure stocks and markets. But does this give them an unfair advantage…

Myriad factors are making Singapore an attractive destination for investors who are seeking long-term value

The past few years have been very good for corporations in the industrialized world, and Canadian companies are no exception.This success has allowed companies to…

But continued volatility is also expected as a result of the slowing U.S. economy

Consumers are shifting their food preferences to healthier foods and snacks, prepared foods, and snacks that are eaten in smaller portions, more frequently and “on…

With the yield curve flat, what options exist for an interest-seeking investor?

Brokerages must ensure that all facets of an options trade recommendation be documented

Comment & Insight

After hedge fund fraud, regulations still remain at the discussion stage

Nova Scotia’s film industry, the fourth-largest in Canada, brings in more than $100 million

Jim Flaherty has sent out clear signals about future fiscal policy, but no one seems to have heard

A kitchen sink mishap sends this writer on a home-repair mission

The new investor education program provides no assurance that anything will change

It is a fine canadian tradition — getting ready for hockey season. Making sure the skates are sharpened and all the pieces of equipment are…

Quebec has the country’s highest taxes, second-largest bureaucracy and heaviest public debt. So, perhaps it’s not so surprising that a pro-vincial business federation would propose…

The battle over bond market transparency highlights why securities regulators must do more to get input from investors.The market for bonds has never been as…

Focus on Products

Studies show investors consider risk in making investment decisions

The fund’s $6.7 billion in AUM leapfrogs Bubis’s Tetrem Capital Partners into the big money-management leagues

Research suggests focus should be on spending instead of saving

New policy targets clients who want coverage of up to $100 million. But, insurer warns, premiums will be high

Investors Mergers & Acquisitions Fund puts itself in the shoes of an acquirer, then waits for the takeover dance to begin

Europe has quietly gone through a period of change and sector consolidation; managers say there are plenty of opportunities

But AIC Global Bond Fund and AGF Global Government Bond Fund are still considered solid investments

Lots of flow-through share issues have been brought to market, despite the recent drop in the prices for resources

Meritage Portfolios include only independent, third-party funds and represent a shift from firm’s traditional no-load model

Mackenzie to merge four equity pools Toronto-based Mackenzie Financial Corp. is planning to merge four equity pools into one pooled wrap program, Symmetry Equity Class.…

Building Your Business

For the time being, the financial planning standards published at the end of 2005 by the International Organization of Standardization will remain relatively obscure, says…

David christianson, a senior advisor at Wellington West Total Wealth Management Inc. in Winnipeg, describes a critical moment in every financial planner’s business life —…

Your older clients who want to keep working may face stiff competition and a bias that “older” means “slower”

Make sure your target market is identifiable and large enough to warrant the attention

During a telephone discussion, advisor and client using Ndex can look at the same data

Women employees have long resented the “glass ceiling” that in some companies still prevents them from being promoted. Older workers face a similar barrier in…

By seeking only referrals who have the right profile, planner can focus on clients who will add the most value

Young leaders need to be nurtured to avoid stress and burnout — and lost productivity for their firms

Advisors should caution clients that the courts now take a dim view of the popular strategy aimed at minimizing taxes

The false assumption that a common-law partnership has the same legal rights as a married couple could prove costly

In addition to getting a tough workout, executive club members learn mental discipline that helps back at the office

Music, managing money are Adam Bain’s life

The five top technologies that don’t require an IT degree or technology whiz kid to implement

The search-engine giant has been working for years to put a librarian into your computer

When the team members help create the vision statement, they are more likely to buy into it

Target high net-worth business owners who have sales exceeding $5 million

News

Business Development Bank assists in the planning process and provides financing

TD brokerage hopes to add 250 advisors by 2010

But financial advisors also have a key role to play in helping curb the spread of tax schemes that do not meet CRA approval

A U.S. study finds that managers who fail to exploit regulatory loopholes are vulnerable to being replaced

Move reflects a merging of mandates with BluMont’s plan to broaden its offering

As a result, Universal Settlements Inc., an Ontario-based firm that offers viatical products, has to comply with OSC regulations

The scramble for clients has firms offering rates based on assets and reimbursing transfer fees

Jonathan Wellum says AIC has weathered a wave of redemptions and is now poised for growth

Accessing the funds in a LIF at age 90 would help those unconcerned about income to think about legacy and estate planning

The rapidly expanding mortgage brokerage industry is seeking out new bonds with financial planners, and many advisors would do well to see if such a…

Company celebrates its third anniversary with the appointment of Sue Dabarno to the helm

Kim Shannon, last year’s CIA Fund Manager of the Year, leads Sionna into retail alliance with Brandes

President says becoming regulated as a trust company is key to its growth

Satyam Computer Services aims to boost outsourcing services to clients in Canada and the U.S.

Nobel Prize goes to the founder of the microcredit movement

Under the noses of B.C. regulators, Vancouver promoters mass-produce shell companies for dubious U.S. stock promotions

New executive vice president and former Barclays ETF head Howard Atkinson aims to develop niche ETFs

The insurance is intended to enable IRC members to fulfil their obligations without fear of exposing personal assets

Now that the telecom giants have made their move, analysts wonder whether banks and big insurers can be far behind

Some industry players argue tougher transparency requirements are needed. Some disagree

National business organization would enable credit unions to offer more options

Federation of Mutual Fund Dealers rallies the troops to make sure its concerns are heard

The SFSC sets an example for those interested in developing a national regulatory body for financial institutions

Summer promotion saw CU hand out $100 bills

Wellington west Capital Inc. is aiming to become “the biggest non-bank player in Canada,” says CEO Charlie Spiring. And the company has taken significant steps…

Managers may be sitting on excess cash to ride out market volatility — or because they’re timing the market

Looks to reel in former business associates of CEO — and the millions of dollars they are alleged to have received

The retail giant is building on brand goodwill to offer banking products to its customers in Calgary and Kitchener-Waterloo

Conversions could cut billions from tax revenue, while regulators cite problems with disclosure

Women are breadwinners in almost one-third of Canadian families, and it may be ringing a few sour notes in some households

Employers have been using surplus funds generated by the $2.2-billion pension plan to pay its service costs without approval