In The News

Polaris Financial Welcomes Alan Acton

(July 5, 2011)

Alan Acton has joined Polaris Financial as Vice President and Associate Portfolio Manager. Alan Acton has been successfully assisting professionals in the Ontario and Quebec region for over 15 years. He prides himself on being able to provide clients with the attention and customization that allows them to successfully meet their financial goals. We welcome Alan Acton and his clients to Polaris Financial.

A Portal to Financial Science and Investment Success

(by Steve Lowrie -- June 28, 2011)

I believe my role as your advisor is to act as a bridge between the growing body of knowledge about how stock markets work and the ability to implement that knowledge to benefit our clients... in other words, to bridge the gap between theory and practice. We work hard to stay on the leading edge of the science of investing so that we can immediately implement any new advances in the understanding of how stock markets work. It’s a point of honour to make sure our clients benefit from these advances long before they become mainstream.

Financial Flimflam: Why Economic Experts’ Predictions Fail

(by Michael Shermer -- February 22, 2011)

Scientific American's Michael Shermer recounts John Stossel’s skepticism of active investment fund management. "In a dramatic visual demonstration, Stossel threw 30 darts into a page of stocks and compared their performance since January 1, 2010, with stock picks of the 10 largest managed funds. Results: Dartboard, a 31 percent increase; managed funds, a 9.5 percent increase."

Polaris Financial Welcomes Gordon Henley

(September 9, 2010)

Polaris Financial welcomes Gordon Henley as Financial Planner. Gordon’s belief that saving on investment fees is an important component of an effective wealth building plan motivated him to partner with Polaris financial. Gordon shares the view that clients have far more to gain by "working with" the market rather that "against it".

Portfolio stabilizers show their mettle during latest turmoil

(by Rob Carrick, Globe & Mail -- May 22, 2010)

"Mr. Steel has diversified the stock market exposure in his client portfolios with fixed income, which in his case means guaranteed investment certificates and preferred shares. GICs are one of the best diversifiers going if you want something in your portfolio to provide balance when stock markets are weak."

A Craving for Juicier Returns

(by Rob Carrick, Globe & Mail -- March 20, 2010)

"Jim Steel, president of Polaris Financial in Ottawa, said a high‐dividend yield is a signal of an undervalued stock, though not one he would act upon in isolation. He says that one thing you have going for you when you buy a high‐yield stock is that companies are very reluctant to cut their dividends."