Briefly:

(September 19, 2007) The majority of Canadian investment professionals are undeterred by the recent market volatility, according to a new survey conducted by JovFunds Management, a subsidiary of Jovian Capital Corporation.

The Market Outlook Survey found 53% of the more than 350 Canadian investment dealers interviewed saw the recent market volatility as a buying opportunity over the next three to six months. Further, 61% of respondents plan on recommending that clients increase their equity exposure over the next year.

The survey also did a geographic breakdown of dealer confidence, which resulted in the recommendation that investors look at equities in Canada, Asia and Europe.

“This survey provided us with very valuable insight on investment professionals’ views on the markets — and reaffirmed that many are still bullish over the short to medium term and consider the recent volatility as a buying opportunity,” says Raj Lala, managing partner of JovFunds.

JovFunds says of those who completed the survey, 73% were from IDA member firms, and 27% were from MFDA member firms.

Acuity overhauls fund lineup

(September 19, 2007) Acuity Funds has announced the launch of two new funds, seven new corporate class shares and a currency-neutral option for three of its foreign funds.

The new funds include the Acuity Pure Canadian Equity Fund, consisting exclusively of Canadian holdings, and the Acuity EAFE Equity Fund.

Investors who want to eliminate currency risk from their portfolio may opt for the new currency-neutral version of the Acuity Global Equity Fund, Acuity Global High Income Fund or Acuity Global Dividend Fund.

Acuity also announced it has changed the name of the Acuity Clean Environment Balanced Fund to the Acuity Social Values Balanced Fund to reflect a broader investment mandate.

(09/19/07)

Staff

The staff of Advisor.ca have been covering news for financial advisors since 1998.