As part of my ongoing investment due diligence, I participate in many conference calls and meetings with economists and institutional money managers. This provides me with the opportunity to learn their views without the sensationalism that often accompanies articles that find their way into the press.

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Slower But Sustainable Global Growth
For the better part of the past year, Scotia Economics has held an above-consensus forecast of global growth for 2010, and a below-consensus economic outlook for 2011. We believed that the cyclical forces powering Slower But Sustainable Global Growth recovery's renewed momentum this year would eventually give way next year to a significant number of structural adjustments that would put the global expansion on a somewhat lower, or 'on a slower', longer-term growth trajectory. However, this transition already appears to be under way...

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Introducing Gary Barker, CLU, CFP, Senior Advisor and Jamie Wilson, Advisor, The Mailey Rogers Group Insurance Strategies Experts Group

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The Kay Meek Centre is delighted to announce The Mailey Rogers Group at ScotiaMcLeod as our Season Sponsor for 2010 / 2011

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After 2008's sharp decline and last year's recovery in stock markets, many had hoped that 2010 would see a return to relative normalcy and stability.

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One of the core active strategies for the Russell Sovereign portfolios is the ability to manage risk through rebalancing. A successful investment strategy begins with an asset mix that best fits personal goals and preferences.

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Taxpayers being assessed on "excess" TFSA contributions
According to media reports, many taxpayers have recently been advised by the CRA that they owe a penalty on an "excess Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) amount" for the 2009 taxation year. This penalty is the result of a rule that, apparently, was not generally understood by Canadian taxpayers who may have made a series of contributions and withdrawals in 2009.

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Summary of Current State
Corporate debt remains in its typical range and interest rates have come just inside the high end of typical. Overall, the U.S. equity markets fell in May, with the Russell 3000 Index losing 7.9% for the month. Economic indicators are all within their typical ranges. The job market continues to show growth signs with a positive NF PAY change and core inflation remains low.

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And so the debate continues: are we experiencing a price correction in an ongoing bull market, or are we in fact witnessing a fundamental change in the business prospects around the world and the beginning of a "double dip"? I will argue the former and my proof points can be found here.

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The $1 trillion (U.S) loan package unveiled yesterday by the supranational organizations EU and International Monetary Fund will assist Greece and some of its neighbours. For this assistance to offer any lasting effect, this aid must be followed up with some serious discipline. Politicians around the world need to get serious about cutbacks and debt reduction. It is called living within their means.

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Managers remain optimistic; concerned about volatility, interest rates.
The first quarter 2010 Northern Trust Global Advisors manager survey showed some changes in manager sentiment regarding both the market and global economic conditions. While most managers remain optimistic, there are some concerns about increased market volatility and higher interest rates.

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The first 5 weeks of the quarter saw markets retreat by 4% year-end values and from the heady pace they enjoyed in the final 3 quarters of 2009. By the second week of February, the markets recovered and went higher. While US residential and office real estate are still struggling in many areas of the US, manufacturing, in general, is doing very well and providing crucial support for the economic recovery.

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Securities regulators in B.C. and Manitoba have raised the alarm about dipping into retirement savings for questionable investments that promise excellent returns and tax benefits.

So-called "unlocking" investment schemes that sound too good to be true really are too good to be true.

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Perhaps the biggest retirement question we face is, "Will I have enough?" Most of us want to know that we'll have a steady base level of retirement income that won't run out too soon. Traditional investment vehicles such as bonds, T-bills, and term deposits are often popular choices to achieve the retirement goals of income generation, safety and preservation of capital. However, the after-tax rate of return of these options may not be enough income to meet your needs.

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The Mailey Rogers Group is pleased to announce our newest member.

On March 8th, Craig Glover has joined The Mailey Rogers Group!

Prior to joining our Group, Craig had spent three years in Scotiabank’s Private Banking department as an Associate Private Banker.

One of the many tasks that Craig will take on with our Group is becoming familiar with all of our clients and their individual needs. Over time, he will take on some of the responsibilities that Sherry Klassen held with our Group.

We are excited to welcome Craig, and he will soon be in touch with you.

For the first time, Scotiabank has been recognized on the prestigious Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World) for 2009. This means that Scotiabank is joining a group of only 11 Canadian companies that made the list this year, achieving great standing in corporate social responsibility.

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