Frequently Asked Questions
1. How is Tradex different?
2. Why haven't I heard of Tradex before?
3. What type of products/accounts are offered?
4. What is a fee-based account?
5. Are my family members eligible?
6. Is there a minimum investment amount?
7. Can I get ETFs?
8. Is it too late to start investing?
9. How complicated is it to transfer my existing investments?
10. How much will it cost to transfer to Tradex?
11. How do I move my money to and from my investments?
12. How are advisors compensated?
13. What advice is provided?
14. How often is my portfolio reviewed?
15. How often will my advisor change?
16. Can I access my account online?
17. Do I have to come downtown to talk to a Tradex advisor?
18. Who can I contact if I have further questions?
Tradex was established by public servants for public servants and is operated by a Board of current or former public servants. It is the only mutual fund company in Canada that operates on an "at-cost" or not-for-profit basis, which means that any excess revenue is returned directly to the Tradex Funds. Our salaried advisors provide you with a custom-made portfolio that is specifically suited to your circumstances.
2. Why haven't I heard of Tradex before?
Originally, Tradex was available only to employees of two departments, Trade & Commerce and External Affairs. Even though we are now one of the oldest mutual fund companies in Canada, our marketing budget is quite small in relation to that of the larger for-profit financial institutions, thus we continue to rely on the referrals of satisfied members as our primary source of client growth. Additionally, Tradex Funds don’t pay any sales commission and our trailer fees are only 30% of the industry average, so many dealers and advisors don’t actively promote our funds.
3. What type of products/accounts are offered?
We provide you with a wide range of financial products that include the over 10,000 mutual funds in Canada, corporate class funds, GIC's, high-interest savings accounts, segregated funds and life insurance. Through Tradex you may hold a TFSA, RRSP, RRIF, Locked-in RRSP, LIF, RESP, RDSP, investment account, in-trust account, joint account or no-fee self-directed account. All are provided with individualized personal human advice and no administration fees.
4. What is a fee-based account?
A fee-based account typically holds so-called "F-class" funds offered by most mutual fund companies. These funds do not pay a trailing commission to the dealer, so this amount is stripped away from the management expense ratio (MER) of the fund, resulting in a lower product cost. Instead of collecting a trailing commission from the fund for the services and advice it provides, Tradex collects a fee of 0.7% per annum directly from the member. This represents a significant savings over the typical fee of 1.0% to 1.5% charged by other dealers for similar accounts.
5. Are my family members eligible?
Immediate family members are eligible for this program and all Tradex services.
6. Is there a minimum investment amount?
Tradex itself does not have a minimum investment amount, but various products have minimums. Our High Interest Savings account and in-Trust accounts have no minimum while the Tradex Funds require a minimum of $1,000. Other funds have minimum as low as $250. While no minimum on Federal Retirees' fee-based offer, it and alternate self-directed accounts may prove less cost-effective for smaller accounts.
7. Can I get ETFs?
Tradex provides you with a wide range of low cost, actively-managed ETF-based mutual funds from highly-regarded fund companies and portfolio managers.
8. Is it too late to start investing?
There is an old adage that states, "The best time to start investing was 20 years ago. The second-best time to start is today!"
9. How complicated is it to transfer my existing investments?
Tradex makes it easy by determining the best way to transfer your accounts and prepares all the necessary documentation.
10. How much will it cost to transfer to Tradex?
Tradex will cover any transfer charges up to $2,000 that your current institution may impose.
11. How do I move my money to and from my investments?
You can provide instructions by phone or e-mail and we can withdraw from or deposit into your bank account. From Tradex Funds client name accounts, including the Tradex investment savings account, your money is usually deposited within two business days.
12. How are advisors compensated?
All our employees are salaried and not paid commission to ensure unbiased advice at all times.
13. What advice is provided?
Your professional Tradex team provides advice on all aspects of your financial situation and financial plan to meet your requirements. Upon request, we provide detailed forecasts that include superannuation coordination with CPP, OAS and other resources. We will also provide assistance in maximizing the tax efficiency of your accounts.
14. How often is my portfolio reviewed?
Some members have established regular schedules while others prefer more ad hoc reviews as their circumstances warrant. We continually monitor all member investments and regularly contact our members if a particular holding requires a change.
15. How often will my advisor change?
Tradex prides itself on attracting and retaining dedicated and professional team of advisors with whom you are able to build a long-lasting relationship with our current newest advisor in his 10th year of serving members.
16. Can I access my account online?
Yes! You are able to view your account through a secure portal that is updated daily.
17. Do I have to come downtown to talk to a Tradex advisor?
It's great if we can meet in person, but it's not necessary. We can come to meet you wherever you live in the National Capital Region, or we can discuss your situation over the phone or by email. Many of our members work for Global Affairs Canada (our founding department) and are posted around the world.
18. Who can I contact if I have further questions?
Please call the Tradex office at 613-233-3394 (toll-free outside Ottawa 1-800-567-3863) or email us at info@tradex.ca and one of our professionals will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Disclaimer
Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses may all be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the prospectus before investing. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently, and past performances may not be repeated.
The Tradex Fund family is registered in all 13 provinces/territories and available through select quality investment dealers and brokers, including all major discount brokers. However, Tradex as Dealer only provides direct* access and our fee-based accounts to members in Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia.
*Provincial securities regulators permit some accommodation for members that move from these jurisdictions to one of the other 10 jurisdictions. Please contact Tradex to confirm if we’re able to assist in purchases or merely provide advice.
