INVESTING 101

2012 – Year in review

Canadian markets finished up, with pockets of strength worldwide

Canadian investors looking back at 2012 could be forgiven if they thought it was 2011 all over again. . The S&P/TSX Composite finished the year up 7.2%. And the newspapers were filled with headlines that seemed as if they had been recycled from the previous year: the European sovereign debt crisis continued, the US economy struggled and individual indebtedness in Canada increased. But behind those seemingly intractable issues some markets had exceptional rallies with the Eurostoxx Index up18.5% on December 31, and the S&P 500, a major barometer of industrial strength, up 13.4%. For Canadian investors who had diversified to capture some of that growth, 2012 was really a tale of two markets: moderate growth at home and surprising strength in the US and European markets.

The resource-heavy TSX struggled as sluggish global economic growth reduced demand for commodities of all types, from copper to iron ore. The resource component of the TSX will likely continue to underperform until economic prospects improve. But there are reasons to be optimistic on that front. Mackenzie Investments’ Chief North American Investment Strategist, Norman Raschkowan, believes a new $570-billion infrastructure-spending program that the Chinese government launched in September may stabilize industrial commodity prices with the country’s economy picking up steam in the spring. If that happens, demand for resources may accelerate again and potentially carry the S&P/TSX higher in 2013.

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Investment Solutions

Building your future with Symmetry
We worry so you don’t have to

Like many investors you’ve probably been distracted by the volatility that has roiled stock markets over the last few years. At Mackenzie Investments, we also spend a lot of time worrying about market volatility and its effect on your portfolio. That’s why in the 1990s we introduced the first managed solutions in Canada, which we are continuing today with our Symmetry Portfolios. Each Symmetry Portfolio holds various amounts (weightings) of stocks and bonds, and is engineered to address a range of risk tolerances.

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Investment Solutions

“Take Control” of market uncertainty in 2013
Go to mackenzieinvestments.com/control

When we talked to investors across Canada, they had a long list of concerns. Many were worried about market volatility and had left the market; others needed income, but preferred the safety of GICs. Still others told us they would rather put their money in real estate – anywhere but the market.

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Personal Tax Strategy

Are you turning 65?
Happy birthday, you’re now eligible for many government benefits.

Once you reach age 65, there are tax planning opportunities and other benefits available to you which you should take advantage of. Here’s a list of opportunities to consider:

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PERSONAL TAX STRATEGY

Open a TFSA this year

With a new year underway it’s good time to reset your financial goals.

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