Investment products
to put your money forward
Tools that guide you to financial peace
Stocks
Canadian and US listed stocks are shares in companies traded on stock exchanges in Canada and the US. They represent ownership and participation in the company’s growth.
How it works?
When you buy stocks, you become a partial owner of the company. You earn returns if the stock price goes up or through dividends, but the value can change based on performance.
Key features
- Grants partial ownership, often with voting rights
- Stock value increases as the company grows
- Highly liquid, easy to buy and sell
- No guaranteed returns, subject to market change
- Currency exchange rates can impact returns
- Taxable dividends and capital gains
- Ideal for long-term growth with higher risk tolerance
Bonds
Bonds are long-term investments where you lend money to companies or governments, and they promise to repay you with interest over time.
How it works?
Bonds are loans you give to companies or governments. In return, they pay you interest over time (coupon) and promise to return the full amount when the bond matures.
Key features
- Terms typically range from 1 to 30 years
- Start investing with a minimum of $1,000
- Return of principal at maturity
- Ideal for stable, long-term income
- Interest income is paid regularly (semi-annually or annually)
- Typically lower risk compared to stocks
Exchange Traded Funds (ETF)
ETFs are funds you can trade like stocks. They hold a mix of assets, have lower fees, and higher liquidity than mutual funds, making them great for individual investors.
How it works?
You buy ETF shares on a stock exchange. The ETF holds a mix of assets, and its price changes during the day. You can sell your shares anytime or hold for growth or income.
Key features
- Lower fees compared to mutual funds
- Suitable for a wide range of investors
- Traded on stock exchanges throughout the day
- Provides access to various sectors and strategies
- High liquidity with easy buying and selling
Mutual Funds
A mutual fund pools money from investors to buy a mix of stocks, bonds, and other assets, managed by professionals to achieve specific goals.
How it works?
A mutual fund pools money from investors to buy diverse assets. A professional manager handles investments. You buy shares, and your returns depend on the fund’s performance.
Key features
- Professionally managed by experts
- Invests in diversified assets (stocks, bonds, etc.)
- Flexible: start with small amounts
- Ideal for medium to long-term goals
- Returns are subject to market conditions; risk varies by fund type
Income Trusts
Income trusts are investments where you own a share of income-producing assets, like real estate or energy, and receive regular payouts from the profits.
How it works?
You buy shares in a trust that manages assets generating steady income, like rent or energy sales. The trust distributes this income to investors regularly.
Key features
- Regular payouts from the trust’s earnings
- Professionally managed for steady returns
- Returns depend on asset performance
- Ideal for generating consistent income over time
- Units are publicly traded and easy to buy or sell
Guaranteed Investment Certificates
A GIC is a low-risk investment where you lock in your money for a set term at a fixed interest rate, with interest paid annually or at the term’s end.
How it works?
You lock in your money for a set period, and the issuer pays you interest. After the term ends, you get back your original amount plus the interest. It’s a safe investment with a fixed return, making it great for short and long-term savings goals.
Key features
- Terms range from 1 to 5 years
- Start investing with a minimum of $25,000
- Non-redeemable: funds are locked in for the full term chosen.
- Ideal for long-term investments with measured returns.
- Low risk with a guaranteed return at an agreed rate
Treasury Bills
Treasury bills are short-term, low-risk investments issued by the Canadian government. The government guarantees repayment of the principal plus return at maturity.
How it works?
You buy T-bills at a price lower than their face value. When they mature, the Canadian government pays you the full face value, and the difference is your return.
Key features
- Can be purchased in various denominations
- Short-term investment (3, 6, or 12 months)
- Lowest risk, ideal for conservative investors
- No regular interest payments: return is the difference between purchase price and face value
- Easy to buy and sell in the market
Customized Investment Portfolios
Customized investment portfolios are personalized plans designed by investment advisors to match your unique goals, whether it’s growing your money or preserving your wealth.
How it works?
An advisor assesses your financial goals and preferences, then builds a unique portfolio of investments. The plan adapts over time to keep you on track.
Key features
- Personalized to fit your financial goals and risk level
- Professionally managed by advisors
- Diversified mix of investments
- Regularly adjusted to match market changes
- Flexible to adapt to your changing needs
Model Portfolio
Model portfolios are pre-designed investment plans combining ETFs, mutual funds, and stocks. They save you time, offer diversification, and adjust to market changes for better returns.
How it works?
You choose a portfolio that fits your risk level and goals. Experts manage it by rebalancing the mix of ETFs, mutual funds, and stocks to adapt to market changes.
Key features
- Lower fees and transaction costs
- Saves time with a ready-made investment strategy
- For both small or large investment amounts
- Regularly adjusted to match market changes
Questions?
We’ve got answers!
Contact us and book a free consultation with one of our BCU Wealth Advisors. No pressure, just a conversation about your financial goals. We’ll match you with the right advisor based on your needs. From there, we’ll build a personalized plan together.
Your investment plan is reviewed at least once a year, but we’ll check in more often if there are major market changes or life events. You’re always welcome to request a review anytime. It’s all about keeping your plan aligned with your goals.
Fees and commissions depend on the types of investments and services you choose. We’ll explain everything up front – no surprises, no fine print. Transparency is part of how we earn your trust.
We use industry-leading encryption, secure servers, and strict access controls to protect your financial information. Our systems are regularly monitored and updated to stay ahead of security threats. Your privacy and security are top priorities – we don’t cut corners.
Transferring your investments is easy – just provide us with your most recent statement and we will do the rest. We will work with your current institution to move your assets with minimal disruption. You’ll stay informed every step of the way.
Yes, you can include international investments as part of a diversified portfolio. Your advisor will help you explore global opportunities that align with your goals and risk tolerance. We’ll make sure your strategy has the right balance.
Yes, we offer tailored wealth solutions for businesses, including investment strategies, retirement plans, and cash management. Whether you’re a small business or a growing enterprise, we can help support your financial goals. Let’s build a plan that works for your business now – and in the future.
We offer registered and non-registered accounts such as Cash accounts, TFSAs, RRSPs, RESPs, RDSPs, FHSAs, etc.
All our advisors have a rich and diverse background. You can learn more about each of them on our Advisor page.
Yes, Raymond James Ltd.’s Client Access website is the portal to your investment accounts. You can also come back to our website any time, navigate to the top right corner and click the button Client Access.
Your Wealth Advisor can advise you if any changes need to be made. Market fluctuations are inevitable, we can help you ride the wave and stay the course.
While taxes can reduce your returns through capital gains taxes, interest income, and dividends, using tax-efficient accounts like TFSAs and RRSPs, and strategies like tax-loss harvesting or asset location, can help minimize the impact and keep more of your money working for you.
Absolutely! We can help guide you during your employment years to set your retirement goals and also how to use tax strategies to get the most out of your finances.