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RBC Financial Planning - Investment Planning

Choosing the Right Tools

 

GICs offer more options than you think

GICs (Guaranteed Investment Certificates) are secure investments and as the name says, they are guaranteed. Your money is preserved and earns a predictable return that’s based on current interest rates and the time period you choose.

Here are some of the various kinds of GICs you can invest in:

Short and long-term. GICs can range from one day to ten years. Generally the longer you invest, the higher your rate of interest.

RBC Market Access GICs are based on the performance of one or more indices or mutual funds. Your principal is protected but your return* is not guaranteed. These GICs offer a safe way for you to diversify into the equity markets and to earn a higher potential return without risking your original investment.

Interest-linked GICs offer a variable rate of return during their term. As interest rates fluctuate, so do the rates on these GICs, allowing you to continue earning more as rates increase.

Specialty GICs are designed to meet specific investing needs. There is a wide variety available, for example, GICs that allow you to contribute through a monthly contribution plan.

Cashable or Redeemable GICs can give you the flexibility of accessing your money before the end of the term, without any penalties. These can also be called flexible GICs.

Non-redeemable GICs may pay a higher rate of return but are not redeemable prior to maturity.

Laddering: A popular GIC strategy

Laddering, or staggering maturity dates, allows you to smooth out rate fluctuations, increase your potential returns and ensures you always have easy access to your money.

The strategy is to divide your principal and invest it in a combination of short-and long-term GICs with staggered maturity dates. A common choice is to invest in 5 GICs, with terms ranging from one to five-years. When the most current GIC matures, you can decide whether to cash in your principal or to re-invest in a five-year term GIC.

This is a great way to take advantage of the best rates, and have consistent long-term investment growth. Using this approach, it's easy to customize your ladder to meet your specific needs and timing.

Because laddering has become so popular, special GICs have been created which ladder your investment for you. You get the same result but you don't need to manage and track separate GICs yourself.

If you’d like more information on GICs and how they should fit into your portfolio, click here to find the RBC financial planning professional closest to you.

* These GICs do not pay you regular interest income or provide a guaranteed rate of return. It is possible that there may be no return. For full product details, including how the varaible return is calculated, please refer to the relevant GIC listed on this page, visit your nearest RBC branch or call 1-800-ROYAL®1-1.

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Important information about our financial planning services can be found at the bottom of our homepage.

Why cash equivalents
in your portfolio?
GICs offer more
options than you think
Bonds provide stability, safety & income
Mutual funds: an easier way to invest
Stocks are vital for superior growth

 

  Contact an RBC
financial planning
professional

 

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