Government statistics around the globe reveal an aging population that is projected to trigger significant economic dilemmas — including long-term health care costs. In an effort to alleviate the burden of health care costs among an aging population, Advocis, the Financial Advisors Association of Canada, updated the Registered Health Underwriter (RHU) designation, which enables financial […]
The banks — the most mainstream of players — sealed the deal. The entry of RBC, Scotiabank and TD Bank into the green investing realm last year made the case that this style of investing was not just a passing trend. For many industry observers, the launch of these bank-sponsored funds solidified the notion that […]
(August 2008) Despite higher land transfer costs, property tax hikes and a shortage of homes, last year, across the nation, first-time homebuyers and real estate investors persevered. Now, halfway into 2008, the patience of would-be buyers is paying off. Riding the six-year tumultuous real estate ride (particularly in the last 36 months) — with record-setting […]
A recent report by the Conference Board of Canada suggests that advisors can help mitigate their clients’ investment risks by examining a board’s commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR). Report author Coro Strandberg explained that “firms are coming to understand the importance of corporate social responsibility and sustainability [in relation to] competitive performance, but their […]
Environmental, social and governance factors, once considered the “fringe issues” of finance, took another step into the mainstream this week when the CFA Institute’s Centre for Financial Market Integrity launched Environmental, Social, and Governance Factors at Listed Companies: A Manual for Investors. “The manual is to assist investors in understanding how a company deals with […]
Imagine, at the tender age of 25 — when most people are starting their first careers — you are appointed a UN spokesperson, you write and release your memoir to critical acclaim, and you begin to travel the world to tell your tale as a child soldier. This is the of life Ishmael Beach. It’s […]
Financial professionals need to innovate, or they will be cut in the current “scissors economy,” said former White House director of economic policy and past managing director of the $15 billion Tiger hedge fund, Todd Buchholz. Speaking to a packed room of almost 8,000 Million Dollar Round Table delegates, Buchholz explained how in the past […]
Advisors, agents and planners need to reinvent their role if they want to be successful and meet the needs of their retiring clients, according to a leading demographic psychologist and business guru. On the first full day of the 2008 Million Dollar Round Table in Toronto, Dr. Ken Dychtwald prompted almost 8,000 attendees to examine […]
While many may have doubted the significant risk associated with liquidity in global (and domestic) financial markets — in relation to other types of risks, such as value, market or credit risk — the fallout from last year’s sub-prime crisis has prompted a thought conversion. One of the leaders in this change of thought is […]
Days before a potential “promise” by Liberal leader Stéphane Dion — that his new carbon-tax plan will not include an increase at the pumps — the CFA Institute has released 10 tips on becoming a socially responsible investor. The report, released on Tuesday, is based on the 2007 Report on Socially Responsible Investing Trends in […]