TORONTO, June 4, 2012 /CNW/ - Scotia Asset Management L.P. today announced the launch of Scotia Corporate Class Funds, a tax-smart solution for retail investors' non-registered assets.

"Our goal is to help investors grow and preserve their wealth over the long term," said Neil Macdonald, Managing Director, Scotia Asset Management. "With our portfolio management expertise and the strength of ScotiaFunds we can help investors grow their non-registered assets in a tax-efficient manner with Scotia Corporate Class Funds."

Managing the impact of taxes on investment returns is an important consideration for many Canadians. Scotia Corporate Class Funds are designed to offer investors tax-deferred switching and rebalancing, the potential for smaller taxable distributions and a means for tax-efficient income investing.

Scotia Corporate Class Funds are comprised of Scotia INNOVA Portfolios, ScotiaFunds' premium portfolio solution, and select stand-alone mandates.

"The ability to access Scotia INNOVA Portfolios through this new corporate class structure allows our clients to manage their entire investment portfolio easily and more effectively," added Mr. Macdonald.

Each Scotia Corporate Class Fund is offered as a separate class of shares within the corporation. Investors can switch from one class of shares to another without triggering an immediate taxable event.

Scotia Corporate Class Portfolio ($50,000 minimum initial purchase)

• Scotia INNOVA Income Class
• Scotia INNOVA Balanced Income Portfolio Class
• Scotia INNOVA Balanced Growth Portfolio Class
• Scotia INNOVA Growth Portfolio Class
• Scotia INNOVA Maximum Growth Portfolio Class

Stand-Alone Mandates ($10,000 minimum initial purchase)

• Scotia Canadian Dividend Class
• Scotia Global Dividend Class
• Scotia Conservative Government Bond Capital Yield Class

Under the ScotiaFunds name, Scotia Asset Management L.P. provides a broad range of 41 mutual funds and 27 professionally managed portfolios. ScotiaFunds are available from Scotia Securities Inc., through Canadian Scotiabank branches, ScotiaMcLeod Direct Investing, ScotiaMcLeod, as well as leading investment dealers, independent brokers, advisors and financial planners.

Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the simplified prospectus before investing. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.

The above is for informational purposes only and is not, and under no circumstances shall be construed as an offering of the funds mentioned herein or any other securities or as investment advice. Investors should read the simplified prospectus of the portfolios for information about the funds' investment objectives, strategies and the risks associated with an investment in the funds before investing. Investors should discuss the suitability of the portfolios with their investment advisor before making any investment decisions.

Scotiabank is one of North America's premier financial institutions and Canada's most international bank. With more than 80,000 employees, Scotiabank and its affiliates serve some 19 million customers in more than 55 countries around the world. Scotiabank offers a broad range of products and services including personal, commercial, corporate and investment banking. With assets of $660 billion (as at April 30, 2012), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto (BNS) and New York Exchanges (BNS). For more information please visit www.scotiabank.com.