As financial markets continue to exhibit volatility, equities have slowly fallen out of favour as investors attempt to limit their losses. For those not looking to ‘buy the dip’ and instead move into lower-risk investments, guaranteed investment certificates (GICs) and bonds are two primary contenders. Each investment type comes with its benefits, but which option reigns superior?
Previously an afterthought on the product shelf hovering around 1-3% in return over the last several years, GICs are an investment worth considering for those looking to move into less risky investments. With the stock gains of 2021 all but wiped out in the first three quarters of 2022 and the Bank of Canada overnight rate creeping up, GIC rates have trended upwards of 4%.
One of the key benefits of the GIC is – as the name suggests – the guaranteed return. GICs are a relatively straightforward investment option for Canadians with a guaranteed interest rate over a set period (typically anywhere from one to five years). They can also be held as part of your registered plan such as TFSA or RRSP. Over the last five years, GIC rates among financial institutions have been as low as 0.6% and currently sit at 4% and higher, depending on the institution and term.
One of the main drawbacks of the GIC is the inflexibility once your money is invested. In other words, once your initial investment is locked in, you are not able to withdraw funds in a pinch. They are also a relatively short-term solution – though there is the option to re-invest upon term completion. One way to maximize returns while maintaining some flexibility is called ‘laddering,’ in which investors split their investment across different terms (i.e., $5,000 towards a 5-year GIC and the same amount towards a 4, 3, 2, and 1-year GIC). Once the first GIC term is complete, the investor can decide to re-invest or pull out the money.
Benefits of Bonds
Bonds are another low-risk alternative to equities. In simple terms, purchasing a bond equates to lending money to the government. The government then guarantees that a prescribed amount, or ‘face value,’ will be repaid at the maturity date. Like most loans, interest (in the form of ‘coupons’) is paid on the loan. The term ‘bond yield’ describes the entire value created by the bond, comprised of the coupons paid and the value/loss arising from the sale of the bond.
Bond yields are directly correlated with mortgage rates. According to data from the Bank of Canada, over the last five years, the average bond yield for a 10-year bond was 1.9%, with a high of 3.24% in June 2022. When interest rates rise, bond prices typically fall to reflect the lower return the bond buyer will make on the purchase of the bond (compared to purchasing a newly issued bond with a higher rate). As such, bonds are not completely risk-free.
Bonds can be bought and sold at any point, with the risk of losing money on the sale if sold at a discount, but also the opportunity to sell at a premium. Bonds are a good option for those who want more liquidity in their investments, and often make up at least some portion of a well-diversified portfolio, with advice often citing that investors should increase their bond allocation to reduce risk as they approach retirement age.
GIC vs. Bond: Which is the Better Choice?
Both GICs and bonds can be purchased from a bank or other large financial institution. While current rates might appear to favour GICs as the superior investment option, the comparison is not clear-cut. Unlike GICs, bondholders have the opportunity to enjoy higher yields over time depending on several external market factors.
Overall, both GICs and bonds are effective ways to reduce overall portfolio risk while enjoying steady returns over time. When it comes down to which is better for the individual investor, it all comes down to risk tolerance and the desire for flexibility and liquidity.
TORONTO – Canada’s main stock index was up more than 250 points in late-morning trading, led by strength in the base metal and technology sectors, while U.S. stock markets also charged higher.
The S&P/TSX composite index was up 254.62 points at 23,847.22.
In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 432.77 points at 41,935.87. The S&P 500 index was up 96.38 points at 5,714.64, while the Nasdaq composite was up 486.12 points at 18,059.42.
The Canadian dollar traded for 73.68 cents US compared with 73.58 cents US on Thursday.
The November crude oil contract was up 89 cents at US$70.77 per barrel and the October natural gas contract was down a penny at US2.27 per mmBTU.
The December gold contract was up US$9.40 at US$2,608.00 an ounce and the December copper contract was up four cents at US$4.33 a pound.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 19, 2024.
Losing a loved one is never easy, and the legal steps that follow can add even more stress to an already difficult time.
For years, families in Vancouver (and Canada in general) have struggled with a complex probate process—filled with paperwork and legal challenges.
Thankfully, recent changes to Canada’s probate laws aim to make this process simpler and easier to navigate.
Let’s unearth how these updates can simplify the process for you and your family.
What is probate?
Probate might sound complicated, but it’s simply the legal process of settling someone’s estate after death.
Here’s how it works.
Validating the will. The court checks if the will is legal and valid.
Appointing an executor. If named in the will, the executor manages the estate. If not, the court appoints someone.
Settling debts and taxes. The executor (and you) pays debts and taxes before anything can be given.
Distributing the estate. Once everything is settled, the executor distributes the remaining assets according to the will or legal rules.
Probate ensures everything is done by the book, giving you peace of mind during a difficult time.
Recent Changes in Canadian Probate Laws
Several updates to probate law in the country are making the process smoother for you and your family.
Here’s a closer look at the fundamental changes that are making a real difference.
1) Virtual witnessing of wills
Now permanent in many provinces, including British Columbia, wills can be signed and witnessed remotely through video calls.
Such a change makes estate planning more accessible, especially for those in remote areas or with limited mobility.
2) Simplified process for small estates
Smaller estates, like those under 25,000 CAD in BC, now have a faster, simplified probate process.
Fewer forms and legal steps mean less hassle for families handling modest estates.
3) Substantial compliance for wills
Courts can now approve wills with minor errors if they reflect the person’s true intentions.
This update prevents unnecessary legal challenges and ensures the deceased’s wishes are respected.
These changes help make probate less stressful and more efficient for you and other families across Canada.
The Probate Process and You: The Role of a Probate Lawyer
(Image: Freepik.com)
Working with a probate lawyer in Vancouver can significantly simplify the probate process, especially given the city’s complex legal landscape.
Here’s how they can help.
Navigating the legal process
Probate lawyers ensure all legal steps are followed, preventing costly mistakes and ensuring the estate is managed properly.
Handling paperwork and deadlines
They manage all the paperwork and court deadlines, taking the burden off of you during this difficult time.
Resolving disputes
If conflicts arise, probate lawyers resolve them, avoiding legal battles.
Providing you peace of mind
With a probate lawyer’s expertise, you can trust that the estate is being handled efficiently and according to the law.
With a skilled probate lawyer, you can ensure the entire process is smooth and stress-free.
Why These Changes Matter
The updates to probate law make a big difference for Canadian families. Here’s why.
Less stress for you. Simplified processes mean you can focus on grieving, not paperwork.
Faster estate settlements. Estates are settled more quickly, so beneficiaries don’t face long delays.
Fewer disputes. Courts can now honor will with minor errors, reducing family conflicts.
Accessible for everyone. Virtual witnessing and easier rules for small estates make probate more accessible for everyone, no matter where you live.
With these changes, probate becomes smoother and more manageable for you and your family.
How to Prepare for the Probate Process
Even with the recent changes, being prepared makes probate smoother. Here are a few steps to help you prepare.
Create a will. Ensure a valid will is in place to avoid complications.
Choose an executor. Pick someone responsible for managing the estate and discuss their role with them.
Organize documents. Keep key financial and legal documents in one place for easy access.
Talk to your family. Have open conversations with your family to prevent future misunderstandings.
Get legal advice. Consult with a probate lawyer to ensure everything is legally sound and up-to-date.
These simple steps make the probate process easier for everyone involved.
Wrapping Up: Making Probate Easier in Vancouver
Recent updates in probate law are simplifying the process for families, from virtual witnessing to easier estate rules. These reforms are designed to ease the burden, helping you focus on what matters—grieving and respecting your dead loved ones’ final wishes.
Despite these changes, it’s best to consult a probate lawyer to ensure you can manage everything properly. Remember, they’re here to help you during this difficult time.
TORONTO – Canada’s main stock index was higher in late-morning trading, helped by strength in energy stocks, while U.S. stock markets also moved up.
The S&P/TSX composite index was up 34.91 points at 23,736.98.
In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 178.05 points at 41,800.13. The S&P 500 index was up 28.38 points at 5,661.47, while the Nasdaq composite was up 133.17 points at 17,725.30.
The Canadian dollar traded for 73.56 cents US compared with 73.57 cents US on Monday.
The November crude oil contract was up 68 cents at US$69.70 per barrel and the October natural gas contract was up three cents at US$2.40 per mmBTU.
The December gold contract was down US$7.80 at US$2,601.10 an ounce and the December copper contract was up a penny at US$4.28 a pound.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 17, 2024.
