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(September 8, 2006) Claymore Investments has announced the launch of six new ETFs, listed on the TSX. Three of the funds were released to the market on September 8, while the remaining three will be rolled out in the weeks to come.

“Claymore ETFs are strategy-driven investment solutions designed around research-based, intelligent indices,” said Som Seif, president and CEO of Claymore Investments. “Claymore has partnered with a diverse group of what we believe to be ‘best-in-class’ investment professionals and index specialists to bring Canadian investors some of the most innovative ETFs available.”

Hitting the market today are the following: Claymore BRIC, giving investors exposure to Brazil, Russia, India and China; Claymore CDN Dividend & Income Achievers, which invests in companies with a record of distribution growth; and Claymore US Fundamental Index, a currency-hedged fund invested in the FTSE RAFI US 1000 index.

Investors will soon have access to the following: Claymore Global Fundamental Index, offering exposure to the FTSE RAFI Global ex-US 1000 index; Claymore Japan Fundamental Index, a currency-neutral fund based on the FTSE RAFI Japan C$ Hedged Index; and the Claymore Oil Sands Sector ETF, providing exposure to the “best and most significant Canadian oil sands sector producers” in the Sustainable Oil Sands Sector Index.

The FTSE RAFI indices weight companies based not on their market capitalization, but on their sales, dividends, book value and cash flow.

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Alberta regulator raising fees

(September 8, 2006) The Alberta Securities Commission has received approval from the government of Alberta to raise its fees by 20%, with the increases to be phased in over three years, commencing October 1, 2006.

The increases were proposed back in May 2006, and the ASC received only two written submissions during the comment period. One of those comments opposed the increase and instead sought a decrease in fees to offset rising fees paid to the MFDA. The ASC decided that the $50 increase per registrant was manageable, given the three-year phase-in period.

Among the changes taking effect October 1, 2006 are these: the cost of registration as a dealer, advisor or underwriter and renewal of same will rise from $1000 to $1080; individual registration as a salesperson of a registered dealer will rise from $250 to $270; and the fee for exempt distribution applications will rise from $100 to $108.

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CIBC Mellon allows issuers to download DRIP costs

(September 8, 2006) CIBC Mellon has announced a plan that will allow corporations to shift the cost of dividend reinvestment off their books and onto the backs of shareholders. The firm claims it is the first transfer agent in Canada to offer this service.

“Dividend reinvestment plans (DRIPs) are widely recognized in North America as being a simple and easy way to purchase shares, helping shareholders increase their stock holdings over time,” said David Linds, senior vice-president, business development and client relationship management at CIBC Mellon.

CIBC Mellon says the downloading of costs will benefit not just the issuer, but also investors, as it could entice more companies to offer DRIPs. The transfer agent claims the cost to shareholders is in line with costs paid in the U.S. and in user-pay direct-purchase plans.

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Caisse adds to investment division

(September 8, 2006) The Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec has announced the appointment of Christian Pestre as executive vice-president and chief strategist, reporting directly to CIO Richard Guay.

In this role, Pestre will oversee management of the specialized asset allocation portfolio, as well as the application of internal and external research to enhance returns.

Michel Malo has been named executive vice-president, hedge funds, and also reports to Guay. Malo will oversee management of the Caisse’s specialized hedge funds and commodities portfolios.

The Caisse created its investment division in April.

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Unity Life taps GeniSys

(September 8, 2006) Unity Life of Canada has named GeniSys to administer a block of business acquired from The Prudential Insurance Company of America.

GeniSys will perform all claims-processing and customer-service functions for the Canadian Intermediate and Weekly Premium life and the Canadian individual health insurance business from Prudential.

“We’ve had a long relationship with GeniSys and we know the high level of service and security that they provide,” said Tony Poole, president of Unity Life.

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