The IG Mackenzie U.S. Dollar Fund – Global Fixed Income Balanced generated a negative return as bond yields across the globe moved higher, placing pressure on bond prices.
In Q4 2024, global markets experienced mixed performance influenced by geopolitical developments, central bank actions and inflation concerns. The U.S. stock market soared in Q4 2024, as the S&P 500 extended its rally, buoyed by Donald Trump’s presidential victory and optimism about pro-business policies. However, expectations of fewer U.S. Federal Reserve (the Fed) rate cuts, raised inflation concerns from anticipation of higher government spending, and threats of tariffs triggered volatility across several asset classes.
Within this economic and market backdrop, the fund’s global equity mandate, representing 30% of the fund, produced a positive return in local terms. Stock selection within the energy sector added value to performance, however, selection in industrials and information technology stocks was a major detractor.
Within the fixed income allocation, the Mackenzie Core Plus Canadian Fixed Income ETF, with a 40% weight, posted a positive return. The fund outperformed its benchmark as an overweight allocation to corporate bonds and government bond selection bolstered performance.
The Mackenzie Core Plus Global Fixed Income ETF, which has a 30% allocation, produced a negative return, though the fund outperformed its benchmark. Corporate bonds selection, especially in the financials and industrials sectors, was the major contributor to this relative outperformance. An overweight allocation to the energy sector also bolstered performance.
Additionally, the fund’s currency hedging policy to U.S. dollars contributed to returns primarily as foreign currencies lost significant ground in Q4 2024.