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(November 6, 2007) Investors searching for the latest and greatest technological advancements should pay close attention to emerging economies, as China, India and Brazil race onto the innovation scene, according to Thomson Scientific.

The number of Chinese inventions soared 300% between 2000 and 2005, with 72,000 new patents being filed. The emerging economic superpower is second only to the United States in patent authorities of natural products and polymers.

“Patent analysis provides a valuable accurate snapshot of levels of innovation and economic activity in a particular region or country,” said Mark Garlinghouse, vice-president, Thomson Scientific, Asia Pacific. “If China’s growth continues at this rate, it could soon rival Japan as Asia’s innovation engine.”

Japan remains the world leader in annual patent filings, but its pace slowed over the five years between 2000 and 2005, from 365,000 to 335,000.

India’s greatest advancements have come in the fields of chemical, pharmaceutical and medical innovation, while Brazil is home to research in domestic and industrial electrical equipment.

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CFPs get advanced standing at Dalhousie

(November 6, 2007) The Financial Planners Standards Council has announced that holders of the CFP designation will now enjoy advanced standing in the MBA Financial Services program at Dalhousie University in Halifax.

In fact, the designation will cut the number of courses required for the program by one-third. Courses in the program include accounting, advanced corporate finance, advanced marketing, business economics, international business, quantitative decision-making, information systems for the information age, management skills development, risk management, strategic leadership and change, and two additional courses.

“CFP professionals can now marry what they learn through the skills and knowledge gained through an MBA with the knowledge, skills and abilities gained from being a CFP professional,” says Cary List, president and CEO of the FPSC. “It’s particularly exciting to us that the universities are recognizing the important role of professional certification.”

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Mackenzie to change U.S. sub-advisor

(November 6, 2007) Mackenzie Financial has proposed changes to the management of its Keystone Dreman U.S. Value Fund and the U.S. value component of Symmetry Equity Class.

Under the proposal, the two funds will be sub-advised by the asset management division of Manulife Financial, MFC Global Investment Management (Canada). The MFC investment team consists of lead manager Harpreet Singh, along with Rhonda Chang, Chris Hensen, Brett Hryb, Norman Ali and Tina Hsiao.

If approved, the change will take effect January 31, 2008, and the Keystone fund will be renamed “Keystone Manulife U.S. Value Fund.”

(11/06/07)