The past year, the smoking markets have been in emerging markets like China, India, Singapore, Taiwan, Peru, Vietnam, Ireland(known as the Celtic Tiger) et al.

Europe also smoked incl the FTSE, CAC, DAX.

Canada and US didn't exactly smoke but did well.

The outlook for 2007 is the same on a reduced scale except for India, China, Nam, Peru, Mexico and also the Celtic Tiger

If any of you wish a piece of India or China, Excel Funds offers excellent investment vehicles.

For China- AGF China Focus is also an excellent option.

For Latin America- Fidelity Latin America seems to have a good grip.

The word out there is 'Go Global'.

If any of you CDs wish more info on mutual funds (including guaranteed ones*), labor sponsored investment funds, segregated funds, please do ask and I am sure someone or the other will definitely respond.

*In general mutual funds are not guaranteed, though there are some that are and they are not segregated funds.

By the way, if this is considered not relevant to RRSP, please let me know so I shall refrain from giving links and articles peppered with my comments.

I would like to add here that Japan had a stellar year in 2005. 2006 was basically a flat year for them and the outlook for 2007 is pretty rosy. Some even expect the Nikkei (Japanese stock market index)to break 20,000 in 2007.

Here is Scotia's analysis of the economy.

Their projection is that TSX will grow by 5%

http://www.globeinvestor.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20070105.wscotiaoutlook0105/GIStory/

If any of you are thinking to invest into mutual funds- here is a table of 25 funds selected according to best 5 year results.



http://www.morningstar.ca/globalhome/industry/fundtable.asp?currview=4&quick=finder&page=1&sort=R5y&order=descending&rrsp=Y&sort1=R5y&top=50&selection=&selected=&action=&csvfile=&nodata=0&aspredirect=

Note most are precious metals based .

Note also that Excel India is up there.

Based on the top 3 year returns we have:

http://www.morningstar.ca/globalhome/industry/fundtable.asp?quick=finder&currview=2&Sponsor_ID=*&Fund_Type=*&RRSP=Y&load_struct=*&total_asset_value=*&Expense_Ratio=*&Rating_3y=*&sort1=R3y&findord=&top=50&Submit2=Show+Funds&nodata=0

Again Excel India is right up in there. Since inception it has given an annualized rate of about 18%.

Excel also has a fund comprising both India and China in one fund.

For those who can brave volatility here are some precious metals funds

http://www.morningstar.ca/globalhome/industry/fundtable.asp?quick=finder&currview=2&Sponsor_ID=*&Fund_Type=6L&RRSP=Y&load_struct=*&total_asset_value=*&Expense_Ratio=*&Rating_3y=*&sort1=R1y&findord=&top=20&Submit2=Show+Funds&nodata=0

Grab the 1 yr returns. Some funds actually doubled your money!

Hello People,

- Started working in Canada from April 2006.
- never worked in Canada before, so never filed taxes.
- Paying regular canadian taxes as an employee since then.
- Looking to buy a house around Mid 2007.
- never contributed in RRSP.
- Spouse is a student, not employed.
- I wish to use the RRSP under the first time home buyer provision. I've never filed taxes and never contributed to RRSP.

Now the questions is.

1. Can I start contributing to RRSP right away or wait till I file the taxes to know the limit ?


2. Even if I start contributing now (subject to the answer to Question #1), Can I withdraw immediately after 90 days to buy the house or I got to wait 90 days after I come to know my RRSP contribution limit through tax filing?


3. Irrespective of my above two questions, What are my chances to use RRSP to benefit for buying a house in year 2007.


I briefly discussed this with the FA that I know of. He said, I can't contribute till I file taxes and even then I need to keep the investment for 90 days.

Thanks.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
The cowards never started,
The weak died on the way,
Only the strong arrived.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yK1i9cLAMM