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Who says sustainable investing doesn’t pay? The Jantzi Social Index (JSI) posted a return of 5.22% in February, beating out both the S&P/TSX Composite Index (up 4.97%) and the S&P/TSX 60 Index (up 5.09%).

Since its inception on January 1, 2000, the Jantzi Social Index has posted an annualized return of 5.49%, compared to 5.44% for the S&P/TSX Composite and 5.31% for the S&P/TSX 60.

The strongest contributing factor to the performance of the JSI in February was the financial services sector, which accounted for 3.0164 percentage points of the total return. The greatest detractor was the energy sector, which shaved 0.1217 percentage points off the overall return.

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AGF seeks fund merger approval

AGF Investments has called special securityholder meetings for April 13, 2010 to seek approval for a proposed amalgamation of AGF Canadian Growth Equity Fund Limited, AGF Canadian Resources Fund Limited and each of the classes of AGF All World Tax Advantage Group Limited.

If approved, the fund merger will take effect on or about October 1, 2010.

Also to be considered is a change in the investment objectives of AGF Canadian Conservative Inflation Managed Income Fund. If approved, the changes would be effective on or about May 3, 2010.

Full details will be provided to current investors and may be obtained by prospective investors from AGF prior to the meetings.

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BMO lauds RDSP enhancements

BMO Financial Group has praised Finance Minister Flaherty’s enhancements to the RDSP.

“We believe that balances in RRSPs or RRIFs should be allowed to roll over tax-free into a registered disability savings plan (RDSP),” says Tina Di Vito, director, retirement strategies with BMO Financial Group. “Canadians with disabilities can face extraordinary expenses and may be limited in their ability to earn enough to support themselves. Allowing individuals to bequeath their RRSP or RRIF balances to an RDSP would offer one more way to help people with disabilities live more independent lives.”

She explains that while the impact on federal coffers will be negligible, the benefit will be huge.

“This will allow more people with disabilities to get the care they need. With the RDSP, Canada is leading the world in showing how smart policy can help provide financial security and independence for people with disabilities.”

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IIROC reaches settlement with Robert Bardsley

Robert Bardsley has entered into a settlement agreement with the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC). A hearing will be held on March 25 to determine whether the IIROC will accept this agreement.

Bardsley allegedly acted as a Portfolio Manager from 2005 to 2008 without being properly registered. At the time, Bardsley was a registered representative with BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. in Fredericton, N.B. He is no longer working in the investment industry.

This hearing is not open to the public but information regarding the outcome will be announced.

For more information, go to www.iiroc.ca.

(03/05/10)