Investments

Experts discuss risk

Clients witnessed risk in action in 2008, but have these lessons lingered? Risk is a layered concept. Although individual investors—even high net worth clients—acknowledge their balance sheets, do they truly recognize the forces behind them or even their own risk thresholds?

By Terri Goveia |January 1, 2011

14 min read

Market Insights

Looking beyond the U.S.

A fragile recovery, high unemployment and household indebtedness make America a friend in need. But as a country known more for permanent interests than friends, the U.S. is being increasingly seen as a poor choice for friendship.

By Vikram Barhat |January 1, 2011

5 min read

Market Insights

Financials in 2011

This past year has been interesting for financials. After the recession in 2008, bank rescues and profits led markets to recovery in 2009 as writedowns on bad loans began to slow and lending activity resumed.

By Andrew Zamfotis |January 1, 2011

3 min read

Market Insights

Currency, alternative asset class or negative-sum game?

The debate over whether currency is a stand-alone asset class — or a quick ticket to a loss — is understandably complicated. Between 2002 and 2007, currency exhibited low correlation with equity. As a result, the argument for currency as a stand-alone asset class — or at the very least an alternative asset class — was strong.

By Rayann Huang |January 1, 2011

6 min read

Preparing the power of attorney

What happens when your client is no longer capable of making his or her own decisions? Perhaps your client has planned for this event and given a power of attorney (POA) to someone he or she trusts. What, then, is your new role?

5 min read

VenGrowth’s abandoned merger leaves GrowthWorks hopeful

VenGrowth is still on the market. At a fairness hearing last Friday in Toronto both the court and the Ontario Securities Commission rejected Covington Fund’s bid for the firm, largely due to poor disclosure practices, forcing the boards of both companies to terminate the acquisition agreement. The decision is a boon for David Levi, president […]

By Sheila Avari |December 22, 2010

3 min read

Economics of retirement in 2010

As we move toward the end of 2010, it’s worth reviewing what has changed – and what hasn’t – in the economics of retirement. We’ll do that by looking at the performance of the global economy and markets this year, investor perceptions of that performance and the ongoing public policy discussions around retirement income in Canada, as well as the impact that each of these factors might have on those who are saving and investing for retirement.

By Peter Drake |December 22, 2010

6 min read

Loonie ties the hands of BoC

As dollar-parity becomes more of a floor than a ceiling, Canada continues to lose its share of the U.S. import market. As conventional measures remain inapplicable, Canadian economists are suggesting radical moves to tackle the issue of an overheating loonie. The rapid rise in the value of Canadian dollar owing to foreign investors and central […]

By Vikram Barhat |December 17, 2010

3 min read

Foreigners park their funds in Canada

Canada continues to be a favourite parking spot for nervous money. Foreign investors acquired $9.5 billion worth of Canadian securities in October, according to a Statistics Canada report. Those flocking to Canada are largely taking refuge in Canadian bonds and stocks. The report said non-resident investors added $7.8 billion worth of Canadian bonds to their […]

By Vikram Barhat |December 16, 2010

2 min read