Portfolio returns: Q3 2024
| Total Return | 1M | 3M | YTD | 1YR | 3YR | 5YR | 10YR | Since Inc. (Jul 12, 2013) |
IG Growth Portfolio – Canadian Balanced F |
2.42 |
6.77 |
12.11 |
21.16 |
4.79 |
5.81 |
5.02 |
5.72 |
Quartile rankings |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
IG Growth Portfolio – Canadian Balanced Series F
Portfolio commentary
Q3 2024
Highlights
① The portfolio gained over the quarter as central-bank easing benefited global equities and fixed-income markets.
② Canadian equities were the primary contributors to returns, followed by Canadian bonds.
③ Canadian equities rebounded on Bank of Canada rate cuts and improved global market sentiment.
Portfolio overview
While investors were taken for a ride during the quarter on bouts of heightened volatility, global equities and fixed-income markets finished in the green. A 50-basis-point cut by the U.S. Federal Reserve (the Fed) in September and market expectations of further easing were key contributors to gains in both asset classes. There was also a notable rotation in equity market leadership, with value-oriented sectors such as utilities pushing markets ahead while growth-oriented sectors such as information technology lagged behind. Canadian equities benefited from continued Bank of Canada rate cuts and strong global markets. In other areas of the world, new economic stimulus out of China and a less hawkish tone from Japanese policymakers provided further support to investor sentiment.
Developed market equities returned 6.0% (MSCI EAFE Index CAD), U.S. equities returned 4.5% (S&P 500 Index CAD), Canadian equities returned 10.5% (S&P/TSX Composite Index), global bonds returned 4.0% (Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate Bond Index CAD-Hedged), Canadian bonds returned 4.7% (FTSE Canada Universe Bond Index) and high-yield bonds returned 5.0% (ICE BofA U.S. High Yield Bond Index CAD-Hedged).
IG Growth Portfolio – Canadian Balanced generated a positive return this quarter. The portfolio’s equity allocation was the leading contributor to portfolio returns, followed by fixed income.
The Mackenzie Canadian Equity Pool, the Mackenzie – IG Canadian Bond Pool and the Mackenzie Broad Risk Premia Collection Fund were the largest contributors. The Mackenzie Canadian Equity Pool posted a positive return but slightly underperformed its benchmark, with an overweight allocation to the energy sector and security selection in the health care sector as the largest detractors. Conversely, security selection in the materials sector was a leading contributor. The Mackenzie – IG Canadian Bond Pool posted a positive return and outperformed its benchmark, benefiting from duration management and security selection in corporate bonds. The Mackenzie Broad Risk Premia Collection Fund is an alternative strategy fund that combines equity exposure with multiple alternative strategies in a capital-efficient manner.
There were no detractors during the period, but the Mackenzie Emerging Markets Large Cap Fund was the smallest contributor owing to its modest allocation. The Mackenzie Emerging Markets Large Cap Fund posted a positive return, but underperformed its benchmark, with security selection in consumer discretionary stocks and communication services stocks as the largest detractors. Conversely, security selection in the energy sector was the largest contributor.
Market overview: markets rallied with expanding breadth
Investor sentiment shifted to a “risk-on” attitude in the third quarter, in response to changes in central bank monetary policy across key economies. It began with the Bank of Canada (BoC) and the European Central Bank (ECB) in the second quarter and continued into the third. The BoC was particularly active, making two additional cuts of 25 basis points (0.25 percentage points) to its overnight rate this quarter.
The U.S. Federal Reserve (the Fed) started its own policy easing with a surprise 50 basis-point (0.5-percentage-point) cut in mid-September, launching rallies in both bonds and equity markets. The Fed noted an increase in the unemployment rate and that the battle against inflation was no longer a primary reason to maintain a restrictive monetary policy.
Market outlook: duration becomes more attractive, but it is too soon to bet against equities
The portfolio management team believes that although U.S. economic growth is moderating, with the job market showing early but convincing signs of deterioration, the U.S. is not in the early stages of a recession. Federal government spending is still high, boosting growth, and the team believes additional cuts to the federal funds rate by the Fed would stabilize the downward trend of the labour market and the economy.
In anticipation of further interest-rate cuts by developed central banks, the team believes duration exposure (sensitivity to interest rates) has become more beneficial. Given expensively valued global equities, the team favours diversifying into cheaper markets with positive economic catalysts, such as Europe and Asia. The team believes that maintaining a well-diversified investment portfolio is crucial for managing risk and achieving long-term financial stability.
To discuss your investment strategy, speak to your IG Advisor.
Commissions, fees and expenses may be associated with mutual fund investments. Read the prospectus and speak to an IG Advisor before investing. The rate of return is the historical annual compounded total return as of September 30, 2024, including changes in value and reinvestment of all dividends or distributions. It does not take into account sales, redemption, distribution, optional charges or income taxes payable by any security holder that would have reduced returns. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated. Mutual funds and investment products and services are offered through Investors Group Financial Services Inc. (in Québec, a Financial Services firm). Any additional investment products and brokerage services are offered through Investors Group Securities Inc. (in Québec, a firm in Financial Planning). Investors Group Securities Inc. is a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund.
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