Industry News

TFSA no threat to RRSP habits: Survey

The January launch of the Tax-Free Savings Account will not materially impact the amount of cash flowing into Registered Retirement Savings Plans, according to a survey conducted for RBC. Just 8% of respondents to the 19th annual RBC RRSP poll said they would reduce their RRSP contributions in order to fund the new TFSA. Among […]

By Steven Lamb |December 17, 2008

2 min read

Low rates make mortgage shopping appealing

For the vast majority of clients, their mortgage is likely the single most important financial burden they carry. Given the current economic uncertainty, clients likely don’t want to think about renewing or taking on a mortgage right now, but those familiar with the mortgage market say it’s an unprecedented opportunity, to take advantage of historically […]

By Mark Noble |December 17, 2008

4 min read

Briefly:

The U.S. Federal Open Market Committee has cut its key lending rate today, slashing the target range for federal funds to a band of zero to 0.25%. The discount rate has reduced by 75 basis points to 0.50%. “Since the Committee’s last meeting, labor market conditions have deteriorated, and the available data indicate that consumer […]

By Staff |December 16, 2008

3 min read

Bear market changes charitable giving landscape

The donation of securities to charity proved lucrative for charities and advisors the past two holiday seasons. This year, with a historic bear market, advisors are probably going to want to look at other more efficient strategies to help their clients donate. The elimination of the capital gains tax on gifted securities created a go-to […]

By Mark Noble |December 16, 2008

4 min read