Canadians growing more optimistic about their finances versus last quarter,
according to latest Russell Financial Health Index results

TORONTO, Nov. 15 /CNW/ - Many Canadians are feeling better about their financial outlook this quarter, as the capital markets enjoy a resurgence of late.

The Russell Financial Health Index (RFHI) - an online calculator that gauges the overall financial health of Canadian investors - increased in the third quarter from the second quarter's all-time low.  The Russell Financial Health Index allows investors to compare their financial health to Canadians across the country and is available in English and French at: www.myfinanciallyhealthyretirement.com.

"The results reflect the cautiously optimistic mood of investors, as the capital markets made positive strides. For instance the S&P/TSX Composite Index returned over 10% in the third quarter of this year," says Fred Pinto, Managing Director of Distribution Services at Russell Investments Canada Limited.

"Things are still unsettled but we're edging towards a recovering economy and a stock market that will continue to rebound in fits and starts. Russell's experts do not expect to see a double-dip recession. Meanwhile over half of the investment managers we've surveyed believe the stock market is undervalued."

Canadians remain most worried about:

• Having sufficient income for a desired lifestyle
• Leading an active & healthy lifestyle
• Having a reliable source of income

"Although having a reliable source of income remains a top three issue for Canadians, this area of concern actually declined since last quarter," says Pinto.

"In addition, the financial impact of medical issues and healthcare needs saw the largest drop in concern in the Russell Financial Health Index during this period - after reaching an all time high level of concern last quarter."

Canadians were not as concerned about typically longer term situations, such as:

• Providing for children and aging parents needing financial help
• Leaving assets/inheritance to beneficiaries
• The financial impact of the death of a spouse or a partner

"What is evident across the board," says Pinto, "is that having reliable, trustworthy professional advice remains an important factor in maintaining financial health. According to the Russell Financial Health Index, Canadians are not currently as worried about having reliable, professional advice as this concern has declined to 2009 levels - when the market was recovering from the 2008 downturn. More attention and focus may have helped investors feel they are getting good financial advice."

To learn more about the Russell Financial Health Index and its results, please contact Thien Huynh at:
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 C$153.2 billion in assets under management (as of September 30, 2010) in its mutual funds, retirement products, and institutional funds.

Russell Canada was recently named the #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.

Important Information

Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the prospectus before investing.

Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.

Nothing in this publication is intended to constitute legal, tax securities or investment advice, nor an opinion regarding the appropriateness of any investment, nor a solicitation of any type. This is a publication of Russell Investments Canada Limited and has been prepared solely for information purposes. It is made available on an "as is" basis. Russell Investments Canada Limited does not make any warranty or representation regarding the information.

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Copyright © Russell Investments 2010. All rights reserved. This material is proprietary and may not be reproduced, transferred, or distributed in any form without prior written permission from Russell Investments.

For further information:

Thien Huynh	416-640-2529
Katita Stark	416-929-9100
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