Economic principles demystified by Desjardins

Desjardins Group's economists release a Practical Guide to Economic Concepts and Theories

Montréal (Québec), December 19, 2007 - At last, microeconomics and macroeconomics, market finance and statistical concepts made simple. The economists at Desjardins Group, Canada's largest integrated cooperative financial group, have published a straightforward guide to economic concepts and theories, to provide a better understanding of the economy and financial markets.

With Michel Patry, Director of HEC Montréal, and François Dupuis, Vice President, Desjardins Economic Studies, in attendance, Ms. Monique F. Leroux, Desjardins Group's Chief Financial Officer, launched the Practical Guide to Economic Concepts and Theories.

The Practical Guide to Economic Concepts and Theories is intended for everyone from finance and economics students to personal financial advisors, financial planners, fund managers, small-time speculators, and other investors.

Major topics include microeconomics, macroeconomics, international economics and finance, the public economy, and market finance, as well as some of the statistical concepts found everywhere in economic analysis. In short, this is a complete, user-friendly guide in which concepts are applied to the Canadian and North American context.

"Desjardins is especially proud to be able to draw on the knowledge and experience of the team of seasoned economists who helped to create this third, general audience guide. It will give neophytes an introduction to the basic concepts, while economy watchers will gain additional information; it could also become an invaluable handbook for specialists," said Ms. Leroux.

About Desjardins Group

Desjardins Group is the largest integrated cooperative financial group in Canada, with overall assets of $147 billion, as at September 30, 2007. It comprises a network of caisses, credit unions and business centres in Québec and Ontario, and some twenty subsidiary companies in life and general insurance, securities brokerage, venture capital and asset management, many of which are active across the country. Drawing on the expertise of its 40,000 employees and the commitment of 6,800 elected officers, Desjardins offers its 5.8 million individual and corporate members and clients a full range of financial products and services. Its physical distribution network is complemented by leading-edge virtual access methods.

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Information (for journalists only):
Nathalie Genest
Advisor, Information and Media Relations
Desjardins Group
514-281-7275
1-866-866-7000, ext. 7275