Investments

Net stocks trending up

People are using more information than ever before. What types of companies will find new growth opportunities in this rapidly changing ecosystem? The challenge is not just in understanding the technology, but also the fundamental shifts in human communication behaviour.

By Chip Brian |August 1, 2011

2 min read

Industry

ETFs: The teenage years

The Canadian exchange-traded fund (ETF) market has reached adolescence, and hair is starting to sprout on its chin.

August 1, 2011

3 min read

Industry

Hedge funds struggling in June

Hedge funds continued to struggle in June as volatile market movements created a difficult trading environment, according to a commentary from Man Group plc, a London-based alternatives investment management firm.

By Staff |July 25, 2011

2 min read

Market Insights

Key risks to retirement income – Part 1

The debt crisis in Europe, slowing growth around the world, uncertainty surrounding the U.S. deficit – I think we can all agree that there are plenty of client questions out there to keep us busy. In all parts of life, there are things that we can control and there are things that we can not, and financial planning is no different. Showing your clients how to differentiate between the two helps move the conversation from questions to solutions.

By Peter Drake |July 22, 2011

6 min read

Opportunity lies under ruins of global economy

Unprecedented geopolitical and economic changes have left a trail of destruction, but they’re also breeding new investment opportunities around the world. A panel of investment pundits discussed where those opportunities lie and how to capitalize on them at Franklin Templeton’s 2011 Investment Forum, in Toronto. Discussion rarely strayed far from the usual suspects: the debt […]

4 min read

U.S. default seen as buying opportunity

The risk of America technically defaulting on its debt is increasing rapidly, with the odds of such an event rising to 1 in 5 as a result of political bickering south of the border. That’s the view of Jack Ablin, chief investment officer of BMO Harris Bank in the U.S., who said the risk was […]

By Staff |July 21, 2011

3 min read

Horizons launches Australian dollar ETF

Horizons Exchange Traded Funds and BetaPro Management have announced the launch of the Horizons Australian Dollar Currency ETF, which offers investors direct access to foreign currency investing. “The Australian dollar has been one of the top performing currencies over the last couple of years, benefitting from attractive interest rates, the country’s rich natural resources and […]

By Staff |July 20, 2011

1 min read

Feds take a swing at stapled securities

The federal government has announced amendments to the Income Tax Act, to ensure that the spirit of its Tax Fairness Plan is followed. The Tax Fairness Plan was introduced in 2006 to stem the proliferation of income trusts, essentially treating their profits in the same way as corporate profits. “These proposed measures will ensure that […]

By Staff |July 20, 2011

2 min read

Bedtime stories and market wisdom

Is the sky falling? Or is it just an acorn hitting investors on the head? I have been revisiting children’s fairy tales in recent months – I am blessed with four grandchildren and they are avid listeners at bedtime. Chicken Little is a favorite. You may remember the story. A young chick believes that the […]

By Don Reed |July 18, 2011

4 min read