National Bank Seminar on How to Build a Winning Portfolio in Today's Market

As part of a seminar to be held this evening at the Sheraton Centre in Laval at 6:30 p.m., Charles Guay, President and Chief Operating Officer at National Bank Securities, will share his views on how to build a winning portfolio in today's volatile market. He will also provide some valuable insight into investor psychology and review the steps involved in creating a winning investment strategy.

How will changing interest rates affect the value of bond portfolios? Has the stock market bottomed out? What are the indicators to watch when investing? Is this the right time to be investing in the stock market? How much money should I be setting aside for retirement? "These are some of the many questions weighing on the minds of investors, who are increasingly looking for sound financial advice," Mr. Guay stated.

The National Bank will also be taking advantage of the seminar to introduce its new Wealth Management service which is geared to individuals with unique financial requirements and who want their portfolio to be actively managed. Customers are paired with one of the National Bank's financial planners, all of whom have specialized expertise in the seven areas of financial planning: investing, retirement, finance, taxation, estate planning, insurance and legal matters. These specialists, who work in cooperation with the National Bank's various divisions, offer products and advice based on market trends, economic conditions and, most importantly, each customer's investor profile. In the Laval region, 15 financial planners are on hand to assist customers in achieving their financial goals.

"We want to help customers get maximum benefit from the special relationship they enjoy with their financial advisor, as well as make it easier for them to get answers to all their questions," said Renaud Nadeau, Vice-President, Wealth Management and Specialized Networks at the National Bank. "The financial planner is, in fact, the only contact Wealth Management customers need."

About National Bank of Canada

National Bank of Canada is an integrated group which provides comprehensive financial services to consumers, small and medium-sized enterprises and large corporations in its core market, while offering specialized services to its customers elsewhere in the world. The National Bank offers a full array of banking services, including corporate and investment banking. It is an active player on international capital markets and, through its subsidiaries, is involved in securities brokerage, insurance and wealth management as well as mutual fund and retirement plan management. The National Bank has approximately $75 billion in assets and, together with its subsidiaries, employs over 17,000 people. The Bank's securities are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (NA: TSX). For more information, visit the Bank's website at www.nbc.ca.

Information (the following telephone number and e-mail address are intended solely for the use of journalists and other media representatives):

Josée Lagacé
Public Relations Officer
National Bank of Canada
Tel.: (514) 394-6500
E-mail: josee.lagace@bnc.ca