February 3, 2010 Organization

Montréal — What does investing mean? What does it involve? What questions should consumers ask themselves before they invest? What can they do to avoid unpleasant surprises? Published in the Collection Protégez-Vous, in partnership with the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF), the Guide pratique de l'investisseur is a clear and easy-to-understand French-language guide that contains the tools and information needed by all types of investors, large and small, so they can make informed financial decisions.

Among other things, the guide contains a description of the various investments available, the criteria used to establish investor profiles, tips on what consumers can do to protect themselves against fraud, and useful references and resources.

Step 1: Know yourself

Before making an investment, consumers need to take stock of their personal financial situation and establish their investor profile. The guide therefore includes a questionnaire that consumers can use to determine their risk tolerance. With this information in hand, they will be better able to choose suitable investments.

Step 2: Learn about the various types of investments available

Consumers should consider three things before investing: expected return, liquidity and the level of risk that they are prepared to accept. After covering these three matters, the Guide pratique de l'investisseur presents the various types of investments (such as debt securities, equity securities, investment fund securities, limited partnerships, income trusts and derivatives) as well as an overview of what consumers need to know about investing in foreign securities. The guide also looks at investments that can help consumers save on taxes, such as RRSPs or TFSAs, supplemental pension plans and life insurance policies. For each investment category, the guide discusses the type of return, the level of liquidity and the corresponding degree of risk.

Step 3: Become familiar with the financial industry and the means of redress in the event of fraud

The Guide pratique de l'investisseur helps consumers better understand the financial industry, the regulations governing the sector, and organizations to which they can turn in the event of fraud or suspected fraud. The guide stresses the importance of verifying that the individuals with whom they do business are in good standing and provides tools to make sure they ask their financial representatives the right questions. It also provides a description of the most common types of fraud schemes so consumers can recognize and avoid them more easily. In addition, the guide provides consumers with 29 useful references, a detailed glossary and an easy-to-consult index.

About the Autorité des marchés financiers

The Autorité des marchés financiers ("AMF") is the regulatory and oversight body for Québec's financial sector. More information is available at www.lautorite.qc.ca.

About the Collection Protégez-Vous

The Collection Protégez-Vous is a division of Éditions Protégez-Vous, a self-funded not-for-profit organization that offers Quebeckers practical guides organized around consumer interest matters such as personal finances, housing, food, cars and legal issues. The Collection Protégez-Vous is printed on 100% post-consumer fiber. It is sold at newstands, in bookstores of the Les Publications du Québec network and on-line at www.protegez-vous.ca/boutique This link will open in a new window.

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Information and interviews:
Anne Dongois, Media Relations
514-826-2050 (cellphone)
[email protected]

For the AMF:
Sylvain Théberge
514-940-2176
[email protected]

For the Collection Protégez-Vous:
Manon Lacourse, Director, Public Affairs
514-461-3000, ext. 113
[email protected]