ETF Focus List – March 2017
There were no ETFs added or deleted during this period. Funds of note include PowerShares Senior Loan Index ETF (TSX: BKL.F), PowerShares Tactical Bond ETF (TSX: PTB), PowerShares FTSE RAFI Canadian Fundamental Index ETF (TSX: PXC), iShares U.S. Fundamental Index ETF (NEO: CLU), and iShares International Fundamental Index ETF (NEO: CIE)
Read MoreTop Funds Report – February 2017
Equity markets continued to celebrate Trump’s victory, with the S&P 500 continuing its charge higher, gaining nearly 2% in U.S. dollar terms. Currency markets were not in such a celebratory mood, as traders worried Trump’s protectionist agenda would hurt global trade. Adding to their pessimism was the view that the new administration wants to talk the dollar down to help make U.S. exports more competitive. It worked, with the U.S. dollar losing ground against many currencies, giving up more than 3% on the loonie. For Canadian investors, this meant that any unhedged U.S. currency positions lost ground. In Canadian dollar terms, the S&P 500 was lower by 1.3%.
Read MoreRecommended List of Mutual Funds – January 2017
The fourth quarter was a challenging one for bond investors, with yields spiking sharply. In Canada, the yield on the benchmark Government of Canada five-year bond rose by 49 basis points, ending the quarter at 1.11%. It was a similar story for the Canada ten-year which rose by 72 basis points, ending the quarter at 1.72%.
Read MoreJanuary 2017 Portfolio Review
The year started off rather mixed, with Canadian equities higher, while bonds, and foreign equities finished in the red, in Canadian dollar terms. In this environment, it was another tough month for the portfolios with each finishing in negative territory and each lagging their respective benchmarks.
Read MoreSocially Responsible Investing Report – January 2017
With environmental and human rights concerns becoming more important to people, interest in the Socially Responsible Investing segment has never been stronger. In an effort to help keep investors and advisors informed on the SRI funds available, we have created our monthly Socially Responsible Investing Fund Report, which will be published on a monthly basis. You can download the January 2017...
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