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(January 21, 2008) Dynamic Funds has announced the launch of Series 5 of its Bank of Montreal Dynamic RetirementEdge Income Portfolios. Structured as deposit notes, these portfolios are available in three options.

Current Pay notes provide a monthly distribution of 6.6% per annum, based on the initial investment and adjusted for inflation. They mature on March 17, 2023.

Deferred 5 notes guarantee growth of 5% per year, for five years, before making any distribution. Monthly payouts begin in year six, at a rate of 8.25% of the initial deposit. Notes issued under this option mature March 15, 2030.

Deferred 10 notes also guarantee 5% growth until distributions begin in year 11, at which time a payout equal to 9.9% (per annum) of the original deposit begins. These notes mature March 18, 2033.

The notes invest in a portfolio of 10 Dynamic funds and are available for purchase until March 14, 2008.

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Energy specialists launch three funds

(January 21, 2008) Aston Hill Financial, a Calgary-based investment manager focused on junior energy sector, has teamed up with Ark Fund Management to launch three corporate class funds.

The Ark Aston Hill Monthly Income Class, Ark Aston Hill Opportunities Class and the Ark Aston Hill Energy Class will be managed by Aston Hill’s wholly-owned subsidiary Catapult Financial Management.

The monthly income fund will aim to deliver a five-cent distribution per month. The Opportunities fund will invest predominantly in Canadian equities with no capitalization or sector restrictions. Management of these two funds will be led Ben Cheng, president of Aston Hill and vice-president of Catapult.

The Energy fund will be lead-managed by Joanne Hruska, president of Catapult and vice-president of Aston Hill. This fund will focus on investment in the energy sector and will invest in companies across the capitalization spectrum.

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PUR Investing launches ETF wraps

(January 21, 2008) PUR Investing is launching a new service which will provide for DIY investors with tailored portfolios of ETFs, based on customized risk assessment, income needs and time horizons.

The program promises dynamic rebalancing and automated tax loss selling. The program is targeting mass affluent investors with investable assets of over $100,000.

The firm is also hoping that investment dealers will use the program to serve clients who want access to ETFs. The platform is set to launch in Canada at the Financial Forum, held in Toronto from January 24 to 26.

(01/21/08)