Introduction
The Canadian Investment Funds Standards Committee was formed in January 1998 by Canada's major mutual fund database and research firms with a self-imposed mandate to standardize the classifications of Canadian-domiciled mutual funds. This site outlines the goals and findings of the committee. The categories are in a constant state of review and as such the committee extends an invitation for comments from all Canadian mutual fund industry participants.
The primary purpose of the committee is to provide investors with a consistent set of mutual fund categories. The proliferation of mutual fund listings and analysis services has created confusion in the absence of industry-standardized fund categories. While the committee recognizes that no fund category scheme is suited for all purposes, establishing a standard is nonetheless considered beneficial for the mutual fund investor.
CIFSC Completes Quarter-end Reclassification Review
May 7, 2009 - The CIFSC has completed its quarter-end reclassification review. The changes are based on data as of March 31st, 2009 and will be reflected in the release of April month-end data. To see the results of the review, please click here.
2009 Comment Period Notice
May 1, 2009 - The CIFSC has released its decision concerning the revisions to the category definitions for 2009. Please click here for details.
CIFSC Completes Fourth Quarter Review
Feb 5, 2009 - The CIFSC has completed its quarter-end reclassification review. The changes are based on data as of December 31st, 2008 and will be reflected in the release of January month-end data. To see the results of the review, please click here.
CIFSC.org Updated for 2008 Category Schema
Aug 8, 2008 - CIFSC.org has been updated for the 2008 category schema. The updated website features the revised catgory definitions, as well as the category assignments under the new category schema. To access the new defintions and category assignments you can click on the menu options to the right.
2008 Category Revisions
July 14, 2008 - The CIFSC has completed the 2008 revisions of its Retail Investment Fund Category Definitions. The revisions are effective July 1, 2008 and will be reflected in the release of July month-end data, which will occur in early August. For more information, please click here.
CIFSC Releases Policies and Procedures
Mar 31, 2008 - The CIFSC has released their 2008 Policies and Procedures Manual for public consumption. The document outlines the general operations of the committee, classification principles and processes, and communication procedures. The document was initiated in the effort to better familiarize the public with the committee's ongoing operations. To download a copy, plese visit the "Policies and Procedures" section of the website.