CI Signature Corporate Bond Fund
Given the somewhat unique mandate of this fund, it’s a tough one to classify. It invests in a diversified portfolio of bonds, right across the credit spectrum, ranging from AAA rated government bonds to high yield. The investment process is a blend of top down macro analysis, which helps the team set the mix of investment grade and high yield, and fundamentally driven, bottom up credit analysis...
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,...
Read MoreTrimark Canadian Endeavour Fund
Like its global counterpart, this fund invests in a concentrated portfolio of companies of any size. The big difference, apart from a different management team is while the global fund has a true go anywhere mandate, this offering must invest no less than 51% in Canada. Like other Trimark branded funds, the managers look for well managed companies, generating strong levels of free cash flow, and...
Read MoreRBC QUBE Low Volatility Canadian Equity
Low volatility funds have become quite popular of late, as many look for ways to protect their nest eggs from the market. While there isn’t a lot of track record on many of these funds, this RBC offering has shown a lot of promise. Managed by a team headed up by Bill Tilford, the investment process is very quant focused that looks to minimize the fluctuations of the portfolio while still...
Read MoreiShares Canadian Universe Bond Index ETF (TSX: XBB)
With the Bank of Canada expected to keep interest rates on hold for the next little while, bonds are likely to remain a positive contributor to portfolio performance. This ETF is my top pick at the moment. It provides exposure to a diversified portfolio of Canadian government and investment grade corporate bonds. It is a high quality portfolio, with about 70% invested in government issues, and...
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