-   Scotia iTRADE's "Buck a Bond" offers simple and transparent
        commission-style pricing on a broad range of fixed income securities
        for the self-directed investor

TORONTO, Oct. 21 /CNW/ - Scotia iTRADE today introduced new simplified and transparent fixed income pricing for Canada's retail self-directed investors. Replacing traditional retail spread with commission-style pricing, fixed income bond trades will now be priced at $1 per $1,000 Face Value ($19.99 min/$250 max). This new pricing, along with online access to a large inventory of fixed income securities, trading, and information, will simplify bond trading to enable Canadians to consider including fixed income as part of their overall investment strategy.

"This is the next phase in the evolution of self-directed investing and once again Scotia iTRADE is leading the charge," said Bob Grant, Managing Director, Online Brokerage, Scotiabank. "Our goal with the new "Buck a Bond" initiative is to bring greater transparency to online bond pricing and simplify investing by offering an easy to navigate online trading platform."

The new Scotia iTRADE Fixed Income "Buck a Bond" pricing enhancements will offer investors:

-   Transparent and simplified pricing - $1 per $1,000 Face Value
        (minimum $19.99, maximum $250);
    -   A competitive Bond Marketplace with a large inventory of over 2,300
        fixed income securities from multiple liquidity providers; as well as
    -   Easy access to education in the Scotia iTRADE Bond Centre, such as
        Bond basics and strategies, as well as live seminars and webinars on
        Fixed Income investing.

"Self-directed investors recognize that fixed income can be a key component of a well-diversified portfolio, yet not all invest in them due to limited access or offerings," continues Mr. Grant. "Providing greater value and improved access to fixed income securities trading and information will enable our customers to consider including fixed income in their overall investment strategy."

Details and more information are available at www.scotiaitrade.com. To open a Scotia iTRADE account, you may go online at www.scotiaitrade.com, call 1-888-769-3723 or visit a Scotiabank(R) branch.

Scotia iTRADE (Order-Execution Only Accounts) is a division of Scotia Capital Inc. ("SCI"). SCI is a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund and the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada. Scotia iTRADE does not provide investment advice or recommendations and investors are responsible for their own investment decisions.

Scotiabank is one of North America's premier financial institutions and Canada's most international bank. With close to 70,000 employees, Scotiabank Group and its affiliates serve approximately 14.6 million customers in some 50 countries around the world. Scotiabank offers a diverse range of products and services including personal, commercial, corporate and investment banking. With more than $523 billion in assets (as at July 31, 2010), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto (BNS) and New York Exchanges (BNS). For more information please visit www.scotiabank.com.

(R) Registered trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia. Used under license.