Facts, Facts and More Facts: Covering all bases: Deposit-safety and market-exposure.

Market-linked GICs grew to $32 billion at the end of December 2011. Providing upside return potential with the safety net of downside risk protection, the product has been a fast-rising alternative to regular GICs. Outstanding balances were up 5.6% from June 2011, and 13.7% from last December. 2011 results mark the fourth year of strong growth for the product, fueled by low interest rates and lackluster returns offered by traditional term deposits. The cited metrics are derived from Investor Economics’ database which tracks Canadian market-linked GICs. For more information on news and developments concerning Canadian deposit industry, please see the latest issue of Deposits and Fixed Income Advisory Service http://investoreconomics.com/issue/deposit-and-fixed-income-advisory-service-2. Posted by Bonnie Ho bonnie@iei.ca.