Doug Watt

Why one fund company won’t dump fossil fuels

Spurred by the burgeoning divestment movement, two of Canada’s investment firms recently re-jigged a pair of funds to make them fossil fuel-free. But another hasn't.

By Doug Watt | June 4, 2015

3 min read

Industry

Opportunities growing in green bonds

Demand for green bonds – which fund environmental projects -- grew exponentially in 2014, but slowed slightly in the first quarter of 2015.

By Doug Watt | June 3, 2015

3 min read

Estate Planning

Ottawa overhauls trust rules

Ottawa has fast-tracked key technical amendments involving trust and estate planning

By Doug Watt | January 23, 2015

8 min read

Industry

Responsible investment assets rise to $1 trillion

After years of tepid growth, assets managed using responsible investment criteria jumped to $1 trillion as of Dec. 31, 2013, a 68% increase from the last RI survey conducted in 2011.

By Doug Watt | January 22, 2015

3 min read

Industry

AGF tobacco transfer troubles advisors

Some advisors are accusing AGF Investments of botching a fund transfer, raising questions about the company’s commitment to socially responsible investing.

By Doug Watt | June 13, 2014

3 min read

Estate Planning

Help special-needs clients have enough for the future

The Problem - Joanne is getting to an age where she can no longer care for her son’s day-to-day needs. The two are living in a bungalow—owned by Joanne, with a tenant—but they have not prepared financially to deal with Jack’s needs when Joanne passes away.

By Doug Watt | May 17, 2013

4 min read

Industry

Ignorant no more

Aboriginal groups are raising concerns about resource development on treaty land. What does this mean for investors?

By Doug Watt | April 12, 2013

5 min read

Economic Indicators

Budget 2013 focuses on deficit taming

Finance Minister Jim Flaherty chose to focus on jobs and infrastructure in the latest federal budget released in Ottawa today, foregoing major spending in an effort to eliminate the deficit by 2015.

By Doug Watt | March 21, 2013

4 min read

Market Insights

Low yields drive sales of low-cost ETFs

Fixed income exchange-traded funds (ETFs) enjoyed a boom last year as cost-conscious investors sought yield amid weak equity markets. By the end of 2011, fixed income ETF assets stood at $12 billion, a 43% rise from the end of 2010, according to Investor Economics.

By Doug Watt | February 15, 2013

4 min read

Industry

SRI assets grow to $600 billion

That’s a 16% increase since the SIO last surveyed the industry in 2010.

By Doug Watt | January 24, 2013

3 min read

Market Insights

Does investing in food punish the poor?

Rising prices have sparked investor interest in food commodities. But it’s a risky proposition and not all investors will be comfortable speculating on a market often driven by human misery.

By Doug Watt | December 17, 2012

4 min read

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