Industry

U.S. pensions slash expectations for investment returns

U.S. pension funds are slashing their projected investment returns from major asset classes through 2013, prompting some to predict the impending death of defined benefit (DB) pension plans in that country, according to a study. Greenwich Associates’ survey of 1,000 U.S. institutions regarding their expected annual rates of return on individual asset classes for the […]

By Jody White |February 2, 2009

2 min read

ETF investors get access to PACCs and SWPs

Some of the major advantages mutual funds have enjoyed over exchange-traded funds — automatic investment and withdrawal programs — are no longer. Responding to increased advisor interest in ETFs, one provider has introduced a distribution reinvestment plan (DRIP), a pre-authorized cash contribution plan (PACC) and a systematic withdrawal plan (SWP) for its ETFs. DRIPs, PACCs […]

By Mark Noble |February 2, 2009

4 min read

Briefly: “Canaccord completes ABCP relief plan” and more of Monday’s news

Canaccord Capital has completed its Canaccord Relief Program, which repurchases, at par value, up to $152 million of restructured third-party asset-backed commercial paper from eligible clients. “Over the past 17 months, Canaccord has worked to protect our clients’ best interests through a very difficult situation,” said Mark Maybank, COO of Canaccord Capital. “I’d like to […]

By Staff |February 2, 2009

4 min read

Plan before product

Canada overflows with designations, some related to the sale of a product, others gradually becoming required for membership in a recognized industry association. One organization, the Institute for Advanced Financial Planning, isn’t seeking to regulate sales or education, but the practice of financial planning itself. Advisor staff talked recently with the IAFP president, Ottawa financial […]

By Scot Blythe |February 1, 2009

8 min read