Canadian investors will be guided by reason rather than emotion in 2002, based on recent investment patterns identified in the second annual TD Wealth Management RSP Survey.

The national survey, conducted by Environics Research, underscores investors’ firm commitment to sound investment practices throughout volatile and, at times, emotionally-charged North American markets.

An overwhelming number of investors polled (71%) say they maintained their exact investment holdings throughout 2001, while 8% say they invested more money into the stock market. Furthermore, three-quarters of respondents (73%) say their willingness to take risks stayed the same, while only 16% say it has decreased since the beginning of 2001.

“The survey shows that investors are poised rather than panicked,” says Patricia Lovett-Reid, vice president and managing director of TD Asset Management. “They are guided by the confidence they get from advice and information rather than by anxiety, and they have realistic expectations about future performance. We’re seeing the emergence of a more rational investor, and this is very good news. In the short term it means we can probably look forward to a better-than-expected RSP season with a solid turnout by investors. Long term, it suggests that Canadians will be financially better equipped for retirement.”

Professional advice and information may have played a key role in alleviating investor concerns. Almost three-quarters of respondents (73%) say they sought professional investment advice in 2001. The majority of these investors (64%) say they were very, or extremely, satisfied with the advice they received.

“The survey provides strong evidence that investors are getting the message that they cannot afford to have their money sit on the sidelines,” says John See, president, TD Waterhouse Investor Services (Canada) Inc.