To assist financial advisors, we have created a series of model portfolios that are designed to meet the investment objectives and risk tolerance of a number of different investor types. These portfolios are updated on a monthly basis. Alternatively, if you would prefer to have something more customized, contact us and we can work with you to help you build a fully optimized portfolio or series of portfolios based on your specific fund preferences and investment criteria.
February 2019 Model Portfolio Review
The market rally that kicked off the year in January kept on rolling through February with nearly all asset classes ending the month higher. Investor’s appetite for risk remained strong with small and mid-cap stocks outperforming large caps. The Russell 2000 gained 5.2% and the S&P 500 rose by 3.2%. The trend held globally as the MSCI World Small Cap Index was up by 3.8%, outpacing the large cap focused MSCI World Index which rose by 3.1%. Closer to home, the SMID focused S&P/TSX Completion Index surged by more than 4% and the...
read moreOctober 2018 Model Portfolio Review
I will just come right out and say it. I hate October. Sure, the changing leaves make it a beautiful time of year to pack up the family and take a relaxing drive through the country, the NHL and NBA seasons kick off in earnest, and the Thanksgiving holiday gives us time to pause and reflect with friends and family about how grateful we are for all that we have. But, there is a dark side to the month. It is a forebearer of the impending cold and dark winter months that will soon be upon us. It is also the month where the investment markets are...
read moreAugust 2018 Portfolio Review
The dog days of summer were in full force in August as many traders took some down time. Market volumes and new issue activity were down, resulting in a mixed month on the markets. Canadian bond markets were mostly higher as yields eased. The FTSE/TMX Canada Universe Bond Index ended up 0.75%, with corporates outpacing governments on a slow new issue calendar and tight dealer inventories.
read moreJuly 2018 Portfolio Review
On balance, July offered up a solid start to the third quarter. Despite the increasing global trade war, economic growth numbers to pointed to continued expansion. Corporate earnings, particularly in the U.S. were strong, thanks largely to the tax cuts introduced by President Trump back in December. Investors also took some solace in indications the U.S. may be willing to pull back a bit on the trade front, after the U.S. and Europe agreed to a cease fire on tariffs while a new trade deal is negotiated. There were also signs that the U.S. may be willing to reopen NAFTA negotiations.
read moreJune 2018 Portfolio Review
In this environment, the portfolios performed well, led by our equity focused Growth Portfolio which gained 1.96% on the month. This result outpaced its benchmark thanks to a strong showing from the quality focused Fidelity Small Cap America Fund and the defensively positioned Mackenzie Ivy Foreign Equity Fund. The defensively positioned Conservative Portfolio rose by 0.6% but trailed its index. The largest headwind was the Sentry Small Mid Cap Income Fund which trailed its benchmark, followed by the RBC Global Corporate Bond, which ended the month 0.3% lower in a very tough global credit environment. Our Balanced Portfolio earned 1.1%, which matched its benchmark.
read moreSeptember 2017 Portfolio Review
Looking back through time, September and October have been the most difficult months for investors. If there is a big drop in the equity markets, chances are, it’ll happen during these two months. Well touch wood, one down, and one to go, with September being a decent month for most investors. Global equity markets were mostly higher, while Canadian fixed income markets closed lower on rising yields. Turning to our model portfolios, each finished in positive territory. Our Conservative Portfolio rose by 0.1%, our Balanced Portfolio was higher...
read moreJuly 2017 Portfolio Review
July was a continuation of June, with bonds down on worries over higher interest rates, and equity market were mixed with a stronger Canadian dollar acting as a further headwind. In this environment, the portfolios were again in negative territory. The Conservative Portfolio lost 1.1%, the Balanced Portfolio was off by 1.4%, and our Growth Portfolio fell by 1.7%. For a detailed review of the portfolios’ performance and risk reward metrics, you can download our standard monthly portfolio report here. Additional detail can be found in these...
read moreNovember 2016 Portfolio Review
With Trump’s surprising election win, North American equity markets have been on a tear, with the U.S. markets hitting new highs, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average flirting with the 20,000 mark. European and emerging markets have not fared as well, with Europe losing ground on internal issues, and emerging markets selling off on fears that a new protectionist U.S. regime will hurt the region’s growth prospects.
While equity markets have celebrated, fixed income markets have not. With worries that Trump policies will spur inflation and economic growth, bonds, both in the U.S. and here at home have sold off, pushing yields higher.
read moreJune 2016 Portfolio Review
June was a rocky month for investors, with uncertainty into the Brexit vote taking investors on a wild ride. Even with the conservative positioning of the portfolios, it was a disappointing month, with each finishing in negative territory, and each lagging their respective benchmark.
read moreMarch 2016 Portfolio Review
Despite a rocky couple of months to the year, equity markets had a solid March to close out the first quarter. With some stability returning to the energy markets, the S&P/TSX Composite gained 5.3% in March, ending the quarter 4.5% higher. Global markets, despite a positive month weren’t able to climb out of the holes dug in January and February. The S&P 500 ended the quarter 4.9% lower, after rallying 2.5% in March in Canadian dollar terms. The MSCI EAFE Index was hit even harder, finishing the quarter down 9% in Canadian dollar...
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