Economic News/Trends and Analysis — July 30, 2010

Canadians are most concerned about having sufficient income and leading a healthy lifestyle in retirement, according to latest Russell Financial Health Index

TORONTO, July 30 /CNW/ - It appears that Canadians have been paying close attention to Europe over the past few months. Not particularly as a potential summer vacation destination, but as a catalyst for market volatility. Investor uncertainty has stemmed from the potential impact of Greece's debt situation on the global economy.

"According to the Russell Financial Health Index (RFHI), investors' confidence in their financial health declined to the lowest levels since the benchmark was established in early 2008," says Fred Pinto, Managing Director of Distribution Services at Russell Investments Canada Limited.

The RFHI, based on an online calculator that gauges the overall financial health of Canadian investors, recently decreased in the second quarter of 2010 to the lowest level recorded to-date of 47 points (higher points indicate greater financial optimism).

"These results reflect the anxiety and much less positive mood of some investors as the market has reacted to economic indicators and global factors, such as the situation in southern Europe," explains Pinto.

"However, investors should also keep in mind that the Canadian and U.S. economies continue to show signs of stability. Positive economic indicators may result in strong capital market returns going forward. In fact, the recently released Russell Investment Manager Outlook shows that 63% of Canadian investment managers are bullish on Canadian equities, while 61% are optimistic about U.S. equities."

According to the RFHI, the greatest increases in concern for Canadians relate to being able to lead an active and healthy lifestyle and having a reliable source of income in retirement. Investors are also more concerned about having sufficient income to cover their essential expenses, and the financial impact on medical and healthcare needs.

The RFHI allows investors to compare their financial health to Canadians across the country and is available in English and French at: www.myfinanciallyhealthyretirement.com.

To learn more about the Russell Financial Health Index and its results, please call: 416-640-2529

About the Russell Financial Health Index

The Russell Financial Health Index gathers its data from a confidential web survey, which takes approximately five minutes to complete. Based on a user's answers, a Financial Health Score is assigned, which can be measured against the scores of other Canadian investors who have used the tool.

Each score is a result of analyzing variables that include physical health, personal finances, unexpected events and financial planning. Respondents are also asked questions related to how prepared they feel to ride out changes in their long term investment performance before and during retirement.

Findings from the Index will be used to assess and report findings, on a quarterly basis, about how Canadians perceive their financial health, as they deal with different economic environments and changes in their lives.

About Russell Investments

Founded in 1936, Russell Investments is a global financial services firm that serves institutional investors, financial advisers and individuals in more than 40 countries. The firm has $140 billion in assets under management (as of 06/30/10) in its mutual funds, retirement products, and institutional funds.

Russell Canada was recently named the No.1 fastest growing money manager in Benefit Canada's 2010 Top 40 Money Managers Report. For more information about how Russell helps to improve financial security for people, visit us at www.russell.com/ca.

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