The National Bank launches the Monthly Income Fund - a tax-efficient income solution

Today, National Bank of Canada is pleased to launch the Monthly Income Fund, a practical income solution for investors looking for high monthly income that receives advantageous tax treatment.

The Monthly Income Fund is ideal for investors with a 3- to 5-year investment horizon. This is the perfect solution for investors who have cash to invest or retirees looking for tax-friendly investment returns.

The strategic allocation of the Fund ensures optimum diversification due to its mix of four main asset classes: preferred shares, common shares, high-yield bonds and income trusts. Moreover, the Fund will provide investors with monthly income consisting of high dividends, interest, capital gains and return of capital.

"In an environment of low interest rates, investors are looking for alternatives to conventional investments. The advantage of this fund is that it can fit right into a diversified portfolio or stand alone," said Charles Guay, President and Chief Operating Officer at National Bank Securities.

Investors will benefit from the expertise of the fund managers at Natcan Investment Management, one of the largest institutional management firms in Canada. The Fund will be actively managed by Natcan's managers using a dynamic management style which allows them the flexibility to adjust the weightings assigned to each asset class as needed. This approach will enable the managers to capitalize on market opportunities and in so doing protect the Fund's capital.

Investors can purchase the Monthly Income Fund through their investment advisors as of today. Additional information is available at all National Bank branches. Investors can also call the National Bank Securities Advisory Service at 1-888-270-3941 or visit www.nbc.ca for more details.

The brochure is avalaible at : www.nbc.ca/monthly_income_fund .

About the 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 clients elsewhere in the world. The National Bank offers a full array of banking services, including retail, 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 assets of over $75 billion 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 telephone number and e-mail address provided below are for the exclusive use of journalists and other media representatives):

Denis Dubé
Manager, Public Relations Department
National Bank of Canada
Tel.: (514) 394-8644