Why Should I Outsource My Investments to a Broker? + MORE Aug 20th

TORONTO – Activity in Canada’s real estate market will slow “modestly” next year as interest rates begin to rise, according to a new report from RBC Economics.
The report pegs the risk of an outright crash in real estate as low, saying RBC expects the economy to grow and that interest rates will likely rise gradually starting next year.
However, the bank says there could be a “severe” downturn in the real estate market if employment plunges due to a deep recession or if interest rates surge dramatically.
Meanwhile, RBC says the economic shock from lower oil prices hasn’t been big enough to derail Canada’s overall real estate sector.
Bank of Canada rate cuts and its impact on mortgage rates »

In fact, it says the Canadian housing market is poised to post one of its best years on record despite a drop in home resale activity in the oil-sensitive provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan.
RBC says rock-bottom interest rates have fuelled demand for housing elsewhere, particularly in Ontario and British Columbia…

The Financial Post’s Jonathan Ratner looks at some of the day’s top business and financial stories.

OTTAWA – It’s easy to open a registered education savings plan, but financial experts say such plans need to be watched closely in order to maximize the benefit, especially as your young student approaches graduation.
A portfolio of growth stocks may be the way to go while you’re still changing diapers. But financial advisers say parents should consider becoming more conservative with investments as their children near graduation from high school and start looking at post-secondary options.
It may be tempting to stay in stocks, especially if they’ve been winners, but consider what you would do if they plummeted, leaving substantially less money saved to pay for tuition.
Lana Robinson, an executive director at CIBC Wealth Advisory Services, says how soon and to what extent you’ll want to shift the portfolio depends on individual risk tolerance.
RRSP vs. RESP: Which comes first? »

“If you have one child or a couple of children in the plan at different ages, that might affect your decision of when you get more conservative,” she said…

Investing and trading on the markets, whether forex, stocks, bullion or other, can be done either as a solo venture or through using a third party. Rather than investing yourself, outsourcing to a broker provides many benefits depending on your aims.
Some people prefer to have full control over their assets and many experienced, professional investors and traders may not feel the need to use a broker. Yet the advantages they provide can really streamline your trading and investment process, whether you’re new to the game or an experienced veteran. Read more about broker operating services.
Time Saving Option
For anyone who invests and trades on the side, as a hobby or extra money making scheme while doing a full-time job, it can take up a lot of time. Even for those who install trading software on their phones so you can invest on the way to work, can miss out on great opportunities if they occur when you’re in a meeting or busy.
Outsourcing your investments to a broker means they can capitalise on any such opportunity and let you know when it’s happening…

TD Centre is located in Toronto’s financial district and comprises 4.5 million square feet of AAA office and retail space spread over six towers