According to a recent survey, most Canadian Exponent Investment Management advisors expect equity markets to increase over the next three months. In fact, two out of three are bullish on Canadian equities. The S&P/TSX 60 index has posted a positive 2.07% return in the last quarter. The S&P 500 index, which was up 11% year to date, is among the asset classes with bullish sentiment up seven percentage points to 60%. The Nasdaq index was also seen as a bullish market.
Central Investment Advisors | Financial Planning and Investing
Many Canadian investment advisors are pursuing certification or continuing education to remain current on investment trends. Professional certifications, like the Certified Financial Planner designation, require an intense education in the financial planning industry. The certification ensures that Canadian advisors are knowledgeable and can develop customized financial plans for clients. Personal Financial Planners specialize in individual financial planning, and are well-versed in insurance solutions, tax planning, and estate planning.
If you are an expatriate with roots in Canada, you may be considering hiring a Canadian investment advisor to look after your accounts. The problem is that most advisors in Canada do not have the proper licenses under FINRA/SEC to handle U.S. investments, so it would be difficult for them to maintain your existing Canadian account.
In the meantime, the CSA and provincial securities regulators have taken a positive step towards regulating the industry. The proposed best interest standard imposes a legal duty on investment advisors to act in their clients’ best interest.