Franklin U.S. Rising Dividends Fund
Of the U.S. equity funds available, there are none better at protecting capital in down markets than this one. While most other U.S. equity funds tend to fall more than the S&P 500, this gem has only fallen between 60% and 70% of the broader market. Even in 2008 when the S&P was off by nearly 30%, this fund was only down 11%. A drawback is that it will lag when markets are rising. But if...
Read MoreCI Cambridge Canadian Equity
Performance of this Canadian focused offering has been very strong. Perhaps more impressive is that its volatility level has been significantly lower than the S&P/TSX Composite Index and its downside protection has been stellar. Historically, it has captured the overwhelming majority of the gains when markets are rising, but has experienced less than half of the drawdowns in falling markets....
Read MoreTempleton Global Bond
The manager uses a very active, somewhat non-traditional approach to building this portfolio. Instead of mirroring an index, they use a relative value approach looking for undervalued currencies, government bonds, and interest rates in countries that are healthy or on their way back. It has done a great job in protecting capital, but has been a touch more volatile than other global bond...
Read MoreRBC Global Corporate Bond
With an emphasis on corporate bonds from around the globe, the managers use an active approach to managing both interest rate risk and credit exposure. They have done a great job in preserving investor capital. Looking at its performance in periods where the bond market in general is falling, it has managed to post positive returns. A drawback is it is likely to underperform in a sharp market...
Read MorePH&N Total Return Bond
The fixed income team at PH&N is arguably one of the best on the street and this fund gives them a bit more flexibility than the highly regarded PH&N Bond. Basically, this fund is approximately 70% of the bond fund, with 30% invested in more non-traditional investments like mortgages, high yield and derivatives. In a rising rate environment, I expect this to outpace their traditional...
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