GBC Growth & Income Fund
Unlike a lot of traditional balanced funds that usually invest in big blue chip names, this one focuses more on small and mid-cap companies for its equity exposure. The managers combines a top down, macro analysis that is used to set the asset mix with a fundamentally driven, bottom up security selection process. At the end of November, the fund held 31% in bonds, 66% in Canadian equity and 3% in cash. It can invest up to 30% in non-Canadian securities.
Read MoreDynamic Small Business Fund
They look for best in class businesses with strong balance sheets, dominant positions in their respective industries and management teams that hold a significant stake in the business. Typically, these companies tend to exhibit low levels of volatility and generate growing levels of free cash flow. Given the background of Mr. Belaiche, it tends to be heavily exposed energy, REITs, and financials, which as of October 31 made up nearly 45% of the fund.
Read MoreTrimark Canadian Opportunity Class
Like most Trimark branded funds, this Canadian equity offering is managed using a disciplined, bottom up, fundamentally driven, stock selection process. The managers look for companies that have a defendable competitive advantage, opportunities for long term growth, strong management. It also must be trading at a discount to what they believe is its true value.
Read MoreBrandes Canadian Equity Fund
After taking a beating in 2007 and 2008, performance has really bounced back sharply, gaining an annualized 18.7% for the three years ending November 30, 2013, handily outpacing the index and the majority of the other small and mid-cap focused funds in the country.
Read MoreChou Europe Fund
With worries over the European economic situation lessening, European equities have been on a pretty strong run of late, with the Chou Europe Fund leading the pack. It was the top performer over the five years ending October 31, gaining an average of 14.5% per year. For the past year alone, it gained a staggering 48%.
Read MoreEdgePoint Global Portfolio
The portfolio is very concentrated holding 37 stocks, with the top 10 holdings making up nearly 40% of the fund. Given the investment approach, they are benchmark agnostic. As a result, the fund looks nothing like its benchmark, holding significant overweight positions in technology and healthcare. It has very little exposure to energy and materials, which is not surprising given their emphasis on sustainable free cash flow.
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