National Bank Direct Brokerage Extending Promotional Offer to Trade Exchange-Traded Funds Free of Charge

Montreal, 27 August 2013 - 

National Bank Direct Brokerage (NBDB) is announcing that it is extending its promotional offer to trade Canadian exchange-traded funds (ETFs) without charging any commission fees until October 31. This promotion-which was launched in April-is being held in a context where all NBDB activities are experiencing rapid growth: client transactions increased by 9% during the six-month period from February 1 to July 31, 2013 compared to the year-earlier period.

"This promotion's success shows that self-directed investors are receptive to National Bank Direct Brokerage's offers, which make investing easier and that ETFs also meet an actual need. It is the perfect time for clients to build a portfolio at a low cost, and take advantage of the benefits of ETFs: they are easy to trade, the portfolio is diversified, and the management fees and securities in the portfolio are transparent," pointed out Nancy Paquet, President of National Bank Direct Brokerage.

Individuals who are new to investing as well as more experienced investors are invited to go to the NBDB website to explore the Education Centre, which includes a host of information, publications and tools for online investing and ETFs in particular. NBDB offers seminars and webinars on a regular basis, to help self-directed investors improve their knowledge of investment products, stock markets and investment strategies.

To find out more about this promotional offer and open an account, call National Bank Direct Brokerage at 1-800-363-3511 or go towww.promonbc.ca/etf. NBDB also invites clients to watch for the official launch of the newnbdb.cawebsite in September.

About National Bank Direct Brokerage
National Bank Direct Brokerage is a wholly owned subsidiary of National Bank of Canada. National Bank Direct Brokerage offers no advice and makes no investment recommendations. The client alone is responsible for the financial consequences of his or her investment decisions. National Bank Direct Brokerage is a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund.

About National Bank of Canada
With $185 billion in assets as at April 30, 2013, National Bank of Canada (www.nbc.ca) together with its subsidiaries, forms one of Canada's leading integrated financial groups, and has been named among the 20 strongest banks in the world by Bloomberg Markets magazine. The Bank has close to 20,000 employees and is widely recognized as a top employer. Its securities are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: NA). Follow the Bank's activities via social media and learn more about its extensive community involvement at
clearfacts.caandcommitment.nationalbank.ca.

Information(The telephone number provided below is for the exclusive use of journalists and other media representatives.):

Marie-Pierre Jodoin
Senior Advisor, Public Affairs
National Bank
Tel.: 514-394-4209


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