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(October 5, 2007) It may soon become a little easier to be green. The Montreal Exchange has filed for regulatory approval of rules governing the trade of environmental derivatives, including carbon credits, on its Montreal Climate Exchange (MCeX), a joint venture with the Chicago Climate Exchange.

“The MCeX partners have taken a decision to launch trading in futures products based on an assessment of the federal government’s air emissions policy released in April 2007 and consultations with potential market participants, including large industrial emitters,” the exchange said in a press release.

Now that the proposed rules are before the AMF, they will be subject to a 30-day public comment period.

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Fed cut calmed U.S. consumer: RBC

(October 5, 2007) American consumer confidence has bounced back following a soft spot in September, according to the latest reading on the RBC Consumer Attitudes and Spending by Household (CASH) Index.

There was not really an increase in optimism; however, pessimism readings were lower. The overall index reading for the month was 80.6, up from a 16-month low of 71.1 in September.

“After collapsing in September, the RBC CASH Index rebounded in October, with consumers becoming more positive in the wake of the Fed’s rate cut and the calming of the financial markets,” said T. J. Marta, economic and fixed income strategist for RBC Capital Markets. “However, the lack of a complete recovery in the index shows that August’s credit crisis has had a profound effect on consumers’ psyches, making them view the financial landscape warily.”

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AIM Trimark rejigs two funds

(October 5, 2007) AIM Trimark Investments has announced the appointment of Matthew Dennis, Barrett Sides and Kirk Anderson as co-managers of AIM Global Growth Class and approximately 50% of AIM Trimark Core Global Equity Class, effective October 15.

As a result of the change in management, both funds will adopt AIM Trimark’s “Earnings, Quality and Valuation” (EQV) investment approach, which stresses quantitative analysis and portfolio and risk management.

“We believe investors will be well served by the team’s depth of investment experience and their strong international and U.S. expertise,” says Phil Taylor, senior managing director and head of INVESCO PLC’s North American retail business, including AIM Trimark.

On top of these changes, the AIM Global Theme Class will be renamed AIM Global Growth Class.

(10/05/07)