Portfolio returns: Q3 2024
| Total Return | 1M | 3M | YTD | 1YR | 3YR | 5YR | 10YR | Since Inc. (October 30, 2023) |
Canadian Neutral Balanced Series I |
2.39 |
6.45 |
11.51 |
21.05 |
||||
Quartile rankings |
1 |
2 |
2 |
iProfile™ Enhanced Monthly Income Portfolio – Canadian Neutral Balanced Series I
Portfolio commentary
Q3 2024
Highlights
① The portfolio gained over the quarter, buoyed by a strong economic backdrop that supported both equity and bond returns.
② Canadian bond returns were boosted by falling interest rates.
③ Canadian equities contributed to a strong performance led by the health care and real estate sectors.
Portfolio overview
In Q3 2024, the Canadian economy saw modest growth, with early signs of a slowdown prompting expectations for further rate cuts. Despite these challenges, the economy showed resilience with decreasing inflation, a strong labour market and increased purchasing power for Canadians.
The iProfile Enhanced Monthly Income Portfolio – Canadian Neutral Balanced, Series I, was up in the quarter. All six of the funds produced positive returns.
With an allocation of 35%, the iProfile Canadian Dividend and Income Equity Private Pool was the highest contributor in the portfolio. Canadian equities hit record highs, with strong performances from the financials, real estate and health care sectors. Security selection in the energy and health care sectors were primary reasons the pool outperformed its benchmark. Also, an overweight allocation to the financials sector and an underweight allocation to the industrials sector added significant value.
The Mackenzie – IG Canadian Bond Pool, the heaviest weighted fund in the portfolio at 38%, was the top returning fixed-income fund. The Bank of Canada lowered interest rates to 4.25%, easing borrowing costs amid slowing growth and lower inflation, which resulted in higher bond prices. The pool additionally outperformed its benchmark, as an overweight allocation to corporate bonds and security selection within the financials and energy sectors added value.
The iProfile U.S. Equity Private Pool, with an allocation of 14% in the portfolio, was another top contributor. The pool generated positive returns but lagged its benchmark for the period as stock selection in the financials, information technology and consumer discretionary sectors detracted. Conversely, stock selection in the consumer staples sector and an overweight allocation to the financials sector added to performance.
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: strategic diversification for stability
The portfolio management team believes that although U.S. economic growth is moderating, with the job market showing early signs of deterioration, the U.S. is not in a recession. Federal government spending remains high, boosting growth. The team believes additional cuts to the federal funds rate by the U.S. Federal Reserve (the Fed) would stabilize the labour market and the economy.
However, signaling rate cuts can loosen financial conditions, push stock prices higher and tighten credit spreads, increasing growth and inflation pressures.
In anticipation of further interest-rate cuts by developed central banks, the team sees duration exposure as beneficial. Given expensively valued global equities, the team favours diversifying into cheaper markets with positive economic catalysts, such as Europe and Asia. 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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