Logging in:
Enter login and password and click 'Login'. If an account hasn't been created yet, register online and follow the steps. If you already have an account, enter the login details and click 'Login'.
Accessing the home page:
Once logged in, the homepage will be displayed. It contains a variety of securities, including Canadian mutual funds, segregated funds, US and Canadian ETFs and stocks.
Searching for funds/benchmarks/indices:
Use the search bar at the top of the page to search for securities. For example, to find a mutual fund, enter the code or fund name in the search bar and select the appropriate series.
How to create a portfolio:
To create a portfolio, select the funds to include. In this example, the Mackenzie Ivy Balanced and Mackenzie Unconstrained Bond funds are used.
Editing portfolio details:
Edit the portfolio name in the top left corner of the page. It is also easy to change the initial value and the addition or removal of advice charges. On the right, there are quicker add options, including the GCS High Interest Savings Account and Cash.
Allocating funds:
Choose to allocate funds by percentage or by dollar. For example, in this portfolio we will allocate 40% to the Mackenzie Global Dividend Fund, 30% to the Mackenzie Ivy Global Balanced Fund and 30% to the Mackenzie Unconstrained Fixed Income Fund.
Storing and monitoring your portfolio:
After allocating funds, store the portfolio and track its performance. Link provides an array of tools and metrics for tracking your investments and making informed choices.
This is an easy way to customise a portfolio to meet your investment goals.
Comparison:
Step 1: Compare securities/funds/benchmarks.
This is the Comparison page, where you'll spend most of your time as you search for and compare securities. Many securities are available, including Canadian mutual funds, segregated funds, US and Canadian ETFs and stocks. Let's take a look at some of the features that are offered. Create a new folder for comparison or load an existing folder.
Step 2: Analyse the securities.
From the line chart, it is possible to modify the initial investment, including the target rate of return, and to change the time axis displayed, either by selecting from the pre-defined options or by customizing the time axis. With a scatter plot drawdown overview, we can also show more data on risk. Let's scroll down and dive deeper into the metrics.
Step 3: Check the metrics.
When selecting a fund or portfolio, Link automatically populates an index based on the Lipper Global Classification, which can be removed or changed to suit your preferences.
Clicking the three dots on any fund or portfolio also allows to customise the portfolio. A wide range of data, including performance, asset allocation and risk metrics, is displayed as you scroll down. The timeline for the data can also be adjusted with a simple click. Advanced equity and bond metrics are also available.
Step 4: Create a report for clients Now that the security is selected, go to the proposal by selecting the export proposal tab.
Proposal:
Step 1: Select a report type.
LINK Proposal offers four different report options. These include the Fully Customizable Report, the Quick Report, the KYP Report and the Watchlist Report.
Step 2: Customise the report.
Once the type of report has been selected, it can be customised to meet the client's specific needs. LINK Proposal allows you to change security orders, add or remove securities and adjust recommendations to create a proposal tailored to the client.
Step 3: Change metrics.
LINK Proposal allows specific metrics to be switched on and off, meaning that by selecting which data to include in the report, metrics that are not relevant can be eliminated. For example, if trailing returns are not applicable, consider toggling them off.
Step 4: Select visual toggles.
The LINK Proposal provides visual toggles that allow you to display certain metrics differently. For example, trailing returns can be displayed as a table, a bar chart or both. Select the visual toggle that best suits your needs.
Step 5: Download the report.
Once all metrics have been selected and customised, download the report as a PDF. To save the report to your computer, click the 'Download' button.
Step 6: Play with the platform.
The LINK Proposal is a robust platform with many customization options. We recommend that you take some time to explore the platform and familiarise yourself with its features.