Confidence in Mutual Funds Continues to Rise: IFIC Survey

October 6, 2010

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
October 6, 2010

Confidence in Mutual Funds Continues to Rise: IFIC Survey

TORONTO – The Investment Funds Institute of Canada (IFIC) today released the results of the fifth wave of its annual survey of mutual fund investors in Canada entitled Canadian Investors’ Perceptions of Mutual Funds and the Mutual Fund Industry 2010 (the Survey), which demonstrates that overall, this year confidence in mutual funds has risen.

The research was conducted by Pollara Inc., a Canadian public opinion and marketing research firm, in June of this year. The key findings from the Survey include:

• Mutual funds (78%) now rival primary residences (79%) as the investments in which investors have the greatest confidence.
• The majority of mutual fund investors (85%) purchased their last mutual fund from an advisor.
• Three-quarters of investors (76%) say the main purpose of their mutual fund investments is to fund retirement.
• The majority of mutual fund investors (87%) have confidence that their retirement finances will allow them to live the life they plan in retirement.

“Canadians have spoken and they have told us that they have confidence in the mutual fund product, the advice they are receiving, and their ability to save for retirement,” said Joanne De Laurentiis, IFIC President and Chief Executive Officer. “The Survey results show the overall value the industry provides to Canadians in terms of providing them with the confidence, information, and support they need to make investment decisions that suit their individual circumstances.”

This is the fifth time IFIC has retained Pollara Inc. to conduct a telephone survey of mutual fund investors in Canada. The Survey was initiated in an effort to better understand the attitudes and opinions of Canadian mutual fund holders; to identify their needs, expectations, behaviours and opinions; and to track these over time.

The research is designed to explore attitudes and behaviour regarding mutual funds, including:

• Confidence in mutual funds meeting financial goals;
• Methods of purchasing mutual funds and advisors’ role in decisions;
• Staying informed about mutual fund investments; and
• The role of mutual funds and pension plans in retirement.

The full Survey report, Canadian Investors’ Perceptions of Mutual Funds and the Mutual Fund Industry, is available on the IFIC website at www.ific.ca.


IFIC is the national association of the investment funds industry. Membership consists of mutual fund companies, retail distributors and industry affiliates.

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For more information contact:
Laurie Gillett
Senior Manager, Communications
The Investment Funds Institute of Canada (IFIC)
Phone: 416-309-2317
Email: lgillett@ific.ca
Website: www.ific.ca

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The Investment Funds Institute of Canada (IFIC)

Topics:

• Financial Services
• Funds Management
• Investment Funds
• Investment in Canada
• Investments
• Mutual Funds
• Mutual Funds Industry
• Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs)
• Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs)