Archive for 2010

Advisor.ca – by Rayann Huang

“It’s a known fact that over the long term very few active investment products have been able to outperform their benchmarks….It’s primarily for this reason that broad-based ETFs have become popular. Though this may cause some to worry, the upside of this is that ETFs allow advisors to focus on financial planning and do the most important part of their job: asset allocation.  Since 80% of a portfolio’s net return is derived from the asset mix, this really is where the heavy lifting is done. The broad-based exposure and low cost of most passive ETFs make them ideal building blocks for a portfolio. And advisors who use them don’t have to worry as much about stock picking and market timing, because ETFs can offer the diversification needed to harvest beta—the bulk of a portfolio’s long-term return….Doug Macdonald, RFP, Vancouver-based Macdonald Shymko & Co. Ltd., says broad-based ETFs provide a better proxy of the market than active funds.”  Click here to read the rest of this article

The Globe and Mail – Financial Facelift by Dianne Maley

“Sara and Joel admit that while they’re “book-smart” – they have six degrees between them – they lack even a basic understanding of money and investing. Their goals include buying a house, starting a family and landing a professorship for Joel after he graduates next year. “We aren’t sure where to start.”  We asked Keith Copping at Vancouver-based Macdonald, Shymko & Co. Ltd., to look at Joel and Sara’s situation. Macdonald, Shymko is a Vancouver-based fee-only financial planning and investment counsel firm.”  Click here to read the rest of this article

Financial Post Magazine – by Dan Bortolotti

“So, as another RRSP deadline looms, it’s time to think about how to position your retirement portfolio for 2010 and beyond.”  Ian Black, a fee-only adviser at Macdonald, Shymko & Co. in Vancouver offers his comments on bonds yields and asset allocation.  Click here to read the rest of this article

Special to Globe and Mail – Update by Larry MacDonald

“To help navigate the tricky shoals of investing and RRSPs, several experienced financial advisers suggest things investors should avoid.  David Shymko of Macdonald, Shymko & Company Ltd. in Vancouver suggests not having too many plans. “Don’t open another new account,” he recommends. “In fact, if you have several plans already, try to consolidate them into one plan.”  Click here to read the rest of this article

The Globe and Mail – Financial Facelift by Dianne Maley

“At 61, Ruth’s thoughts are turning to the day when she can quit her stressful job with its long hours and spend more time travelling, doing yoga, hiking and taking courses at the university.  While she is active and in good health now, Ruth had a health scare last year. “An incident like that makes you think and reflect on what’s really important in life,” she writes in an e-mail.  What’s most important is being able to help her 21-year-old son, who graduates in July, to pursue a career in the theatre. We asked Gina Macdonald, financial planner and portfolio manager at Macdonald, Shymko & Co. Ltd. in Vancouver to look at Ruth’s situation.”  Click here to read the rest of this article