Chou Associates Fund
Most mutual funds are pretty easy to classify. They typically have a relatively narrow mandate and tend to stick to it. The same cannot be said for many of the funds offered by Chou Associates. For example, the Chou Associates Fund is definitely hard to classify. If we look strictly at its holdings, it would be a global small cap fund. The reality of it is that manager Francis Chou runs it as a global equity fund with a go anywhere mandate and the ability to invest in companies of any size.
Read MoreCIBC Canadian Real Estate Fund
Many view real estate as an attractive asset class that can provide diversification within a portfolio due to its relatively low correlation to the equity markets. With real estate funds however, the diversification benefits may not be quite as high as many expect given that most will have significant holdings in REITs, which are often traded on the equity markets. Because of this, the correlation benefits may not be as high as investors may anticipate.
Read MoreBlack Creek Global Leaders Fund
Managed by Bill Kanko and Richard Jenkins, this fund was known as the Castlerock Global Leaders Fund until July 2012. Both Mr. Kanko and Mr. Jenkins made their names at Trimark and that footprint is evident in the investment process they use.
Read MoreMackenzie Cundill Canadian Balanced Fund
This fund is managed using the same deep value style that has become synonymous with Cundill. The approach is almost contrarian, buying stocks when they are most hated by the markets. Over the long term, this has provided strong returns for investors with modest levels of risk. However, during shorter periods of time, it has the potential to experience higher levels of volatility which can lead to periods of underperformance.
Read MoreFidelity Canadian Balanced Fund
If you like your balanced funds to be exciting and flashy, then you are definitely not going to like the Fidelity Canadian Balanced Fund. But, if you are looking for stability and consistency, you may want to keep reading.
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