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  1. Market Commentary January 2026 EAMG-(1).png

    Key Take
    aways

    Full year 2025:
    • Government policy was very impactful for markets in 2025. U.S. trade policy unsettled markets in the first half of the year, as the U.S. implemented significant tariffs and engaged in tough negotiations with major trading partners. However, by mid-year, fiscal policy provided positive support for markets, particularly with the passing in the U.S. of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in July.
    • Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) continued to attract investment, particularly in the United States. This investment provided strong support for equity market performance.
    • Global equity markets delivered strong performance, most notably Canadian equities, which returned an impressive 31.7%.
    • Positive risk appetite supported solid corporate bond performance, which outpaced government bonds.

    Fourth Quarter:
    • U.S. equities advanced at a slower pace in the fourth quarter after a strong surge in the prior two quarters. Canadian equities outperformed U.S. equities, fueled by a powerful rally in the Materials, Consumer Discretionary, and Financials sectors.
    • Canadian bond markets posted slightly negative returns during the quarter as higher interest rates weighed on performance. Strong corporate bond performance partially offset weakness in government bonds.
    • Both the Bank of Canada and the U.S. Federal Reserve lowered policy interest rates during the quarter, with Canada dropping its benchmark rate by 25 basis points and the U.S. dropping its policy rate by 50 basis points. Both central banks signalled a cautious approach for further easing.

    Economic and Market Update

    Economic Summary: The U.S. economy continued to expand at a moderate pace, supported by strong consumer spending and AI investment. However, job growth slowed and the unemployment rate has edged higher. Inflation remains higher than the 2% target, despite easing trends. While some U.S. trading partners have made trade agreements, uncertainty remains regarding reciprocal tariffs, with a case before the U.S. Supreme Court as to their legality. The Federal Reserve lowered its policy interest rate twice during the quarter, first in October and again in December, to reach a target rate of 3.50% to 3.75%. Chair Powell cited downside risks to employment as a key factor behind the rate cut decisions and emphasized that officials are “well positioned” to wait and assess how the economy evolves.

    In Canada, U.S. tariffs on steel, aluminum, autos, and lumber have weighed heavily on these sectors. While most goods continue to enter the U.S. tariff-free due to the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (“CUSMA”), broader  uncertainty around U.S. trade policy is dampening business investment. Third quarter GDP growth exceeded market expectations, but growth tracked weaker in the fourth quarter amid the trade disputes. The labour market showed signs of improvement in the fourth quarter after earlier weakness. Headline inflation has hovered near the 2% target, while core inflation remained persistent. The Bank of Canada lowered its policy interest rate by 25 basis points to 2.25% in October and made no changes in December. Going into 2026, trade uncertainty remains with the CUSMA up for renegotiation. The Bank of Canada reiterated its readiness to respond if new shocks or accumulating evidence materially alter the outlook.
     

    Bond.pngBond Markets: During the quarter, the FTSE Canada Universe Bond Index returned -0.3% as interest rates on Canadian bonds rose (bond prices fall as interest rates go up). The increase reflected reduced expectations for interest rate cuts by the Bank of Canada and a higher risk premium demanded by investors for long-term debt. Although interest rates increased, credit spreads (i.e. the extra yield on corporate bonds versus government bonds to compensate for their extra risk) continued to move lower. These lower credit spreads resulted in positive overall returns for corporate bonds in the quarter, despite the overall bond market recording a loss. Tightening credit spreads reflected the continued risk-on tone to the market. Despite some volatility, lower-rated BBB bonds generally performed better than higher-quality A-rated bonds. Credit spreads have now rallied back to the tightest spreads since the 2008 financial crisis, nearing the tightest spreads in history. Despite expensive levels, investors remain buyers of corporate bonds, evidenced not just by falling  credit spreads, but also by investors’ enthusiasm to support the primary issuance market. Corporate bond supply continues to set new records, with an impressive $37.5 billion in new issuance in the fourth quarter helping 2025 to exceed the prior year’s issuance. All told, 2025 saw an impressive $160 billion in new issuance via 358 new bonds, versus 2024’s prior record of $139 billion from 301 new bonds.


    Stocks.pngStock Markets: The fourth quarter marked a pivotal shift in the global equity market rally of 2025. After three quarters of a highly concentrated, tech-led rally in the U.S., cyclical and valueoriented sectors outperformed in Q4. The S&P 500 advanced at a slower 2.7% in the fourth quarter, reflecting a market that is recalibrating after an extended period of concentrated gains. Canadian equities outperformed U.S. equities as the S&P/TSX Composite returned 6.3% in the quarter, finishing the year with an impressive 31.7% return. That was its strongest annual gain since 2009. The strong returns in Canadian equities were fueled by a powerful rally in the Materials sector, supported by soaring gold and base metal prices, and reinforced by the resilience of the Consumer Discretionary and Financials sectors. Internationally, developed markets in Europe and Asia gained 6.2% for the quarter, bringing their annual return to 21.2%. This move signals a healthy rebalancing as global investors rotated into attractivelyvalued international equities to hedge against elevated U.S. valuations. Capital is now flowing toward regions and sectors offering stronger earnings visibility and defensive characteristics rather than purely speculative growth.


    U.S. Equities: U.S. equities entered the fourth quarter at elevated valuations. Despite fundamentally strong earnings growth, stock prices struggled to move higher because investor expectations were for even stronger growth. Technology remained the primary driver of earnings, but the sector faced intense pressure to prove its value. Specifically, investors questioned the pace at which companies could convert AI investments into actual revenue. Investors also worried that growth remained concentrated among too few companies rather than more broadly across the economy. Sector-wise, Communication Services emerged as the top performer for the full year due to significant margin expansion. This was driven by a wave of media-related merger activity and the successful use of AI to make digital advertising more efficient. Industrials also advanced as new tax incentives for domestic manufacturing boosted factory orders. Nevertheless, the market remains concentrated with the top ten stocks representing nearly 40% of the S&P 500 Index. This level of concentration makes the market vulnerable to sudden price swings. As inflation moderated and the Federal Reserve cut rates in December, investors shifted toward more defensive sectors and international equities. This rotation signals a preference for companies with stable cash flows over speculative growth.


    Canadian Equities: The Canadian market was a global standout during the quarter, supported by lower borrowing costs, a stable Financials sector, and rally in the prices of metals (including gold, but also base metals like nickel and copper). The Materials sector led the way as a weaker U.S. dollar and geopolitical tensions pushed gold to a record of US$4,550 per ounce in late December. For major mining companies, these prices generated record cash flow allowing them to raise dividends and buy back shares. The Bank of Canada interest rate cut supported both the Consumer Discretionary and Financials sectors, reducing borrowing costs, and helping banks maintain stable net interest margins. The Big Six Canadian Banks delivered strong earnings results in Q4. These were driven by a surge in capital markets activity and better-than-expected provisions for credit losses, as the economy remained resilient. Trading at 17 times forward earnings, the Canadian market appears attractively valued, prompting investors to shift away from U.S. volatility toward more tangible assets and reliable dividends.


    Bottom line:  The final quarter of 2025 saw a notable shift in investor positioning. As recession fears receded, attention turned to navigating a period of moderate economic expansion. In Canada, capital flowed into profitable, cash flow-generating companies in the Financials and Material sectors. Momentum in U.S. equities slowed as investors reduced risk amid caution around AI developments. Although major indices remain highly valued, opportunities persist in sectors and regions with stable cash flows and pricing power.


    Downloadable Copy
     
    Mark Warywoda, CFA
    VP, Public Investments
    Ian Whiteside, CFA, MBA
    AVP, Public Investments
    Johanna Shaw, CFA
    Director, Public Investments
    Jin Li
    Director, Equity Investments
       
     
    Wanyi Chen, CFA, FRM
    Sr. Quantitative Analyst
     
    Andrew Vermeer, CFA
    Senior Analyst, Credit
     
    Elizabeth Ayodele 
    Analyst, Credit
     
    Edward Ng Cheng Hin
    Analyst, Credit

    Kate (Huyen) Vinh
    Analyst, Equity

    Francie Chen
    Analyst, Rates

    ADVISOR USE ONLY
    Any statements contained herein that are not based on historical fact are forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements represent the portfolio manager’s best judgment as of the present date as to what may occur in the future. However, forward-looking statements are subject to many risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, and are based on the portfolio manager’s present opinions and views. For this reason, the actual outcome of the events or results predicted may differ materially from what is expressed. Furthermore, the portfolio manager’s views, opinions or assumptions may subsequently change based on previously unknown information, or for other reasons. Equitable® assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information contained herein. The reader is cautioned to consider these and other factors carefully and not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Investments may increase or decrease in value and are invested at the risk of the investor. Investment values change frequently, and past performance does not guarantee future results. Professional advice should be sought before an investor embarks on any investment strategy.
  2. Increased auto approval means more time to focus on your complex cases

    As the year draws to a close, we are pleased to reflect back on our many enhancements geared toward improving our auto-approval rates and the notable impact they have made on our service standards.

    Throughout 2021, we have invested significantly in our services and technology, including data & analytics to ensure that more of our new business applications are approved automatically without any intervention, leaving our teams available to engage in settling your complex cases. As a result of these enhancements, over the past 3 months we have improved from 8% of our new business flowing straight through to approval, to an impressive 25% of cases requiring no underwriting*. 

    There are a number of factors that contribute to this straight through approval success in processing applications, such as simpler cases, applicants with no medical history or medical issues, younger applicants and applications for lower face amounts. These factors, alongside our ongoing efforts to fortify our processes, has resulted in positive feedback from the field.

    Advisors have mentioned you’ve felt the impact on our speed and service, and we will continue forward into 2022 with this positive momentum, with further enhancements to help make it easier for you to do business with Equitable Life.
     
    *As of December 2021

  3. The value of Equitable Life’s EZcomplete online application for Pivotal Select
    Necessity is the mother of invention. And COVID-19 has taken Equitable Life’s® EZcomplete® online application to the next level. Prior to the pandemic, EZcomplete was touted as being convenient and easy to use. Well, it is. But now…it is so much more.

    Whether secure in an office or safe at home, EZcomplete’s non face-to-face capabilities include an alternative to physical verification. EZcomplete simply requires verification of ID using a third-party service provider. The third-party service provider completes the verification behind the scenes using information that was already required to complete an application. By removing the physical ID requirements, the ID verification process has been automated and simplified.

    EZcomplete’s electronic signature functionality is also easy and secure. To enable a remote signature, your client just provides an e-mail address. Your client will receive a link and security code that you provide. The client enters the code, reviews the application and e-signs the documents.

    Step by step directions ensure you have the right details without any confusing or unnecessary questions. Highlighted fields alert you to any missing information, eliminating any extra work or effort. The immediate processing also helps make it an attractive resource.



    Whether selling segregated funds face to face or from the comfort of home, Equitable Life’s EZcomplete online application and Pivotal Select™ segregated fund line up provide the solution for even the most rattled and weary investor. Learn more, visit EquiNet or contact your Regional Investment Sales Manager.
     
  4. Let’s talk about Critical Illness insurance, the Equitable way. Having critical illness insurance benefits in an important time of need is so valuable. Get the right critical illness insurance coverage for your clients.

    In 2022, we made some significant updates to our EquiLiving® Critical Illness insurance plans to provide better choices and features for clients.

    These significant updates included:
    ●  The addition of Acquired Brain Injury as a covered condition
    ●  The addition of 20 pay options allowing more choice when choosing the right plan for your clients
    ●  The removal of the age restriction for juveniles to claim for Loss of Independent Existence

    Plus, a Canadian first, the addition of Cloud DX. Cloud DX is a value-added service that provides remote patient monitoring to claimants in addition to the full critical illness benefit paid by Equitable Life®. Cloud DX delivers medical grade hardware directly to the client so that Cloud DX can remotely monitor their vitals to help ensure they are on and stay on the road to recovery.





    View our new Critical Illness video on YouTube or Vimeo!

    With these updates and more, EquiLiving Critical Illness Insurance is there for clients, not only at time of their claim but also during their recovery. To learn more about Critical Illness insurance, the Equitable way, contact your local wholesaler.
     


    *Cloud DX is a non-contractual benefit and may be withdrawn or changed by Equitable Life® at any time. To be eligible for the Cloud DX offering, a claimant must be age 12 or older and have received payment on or after February 12, 2022 for a covered critical condition benefit under an individual critical illness insurance policy issued by Equitable Life. An early detection benefit payment does not qualify.   Equitable Life pays for 6 months of Cloud DX subscription fees.  If the claimant wishes to continue the Cloud DX service after 6 months, they will be responsible for the cost.
     
    ® and TM denote trademarks of The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada.

     
  5. Colaiacovo to lead Equitable’s Eastern Group Sales Team We are pleased to announce that Sofia Colaiacovo has been appointed our new Group Sales Vice President, Eastern Canada. 
     
    In her role, Colaiacovo will lead the Eastern sales team. She will focus on working with distribution partners to grow our business together while continuing to provide clients and their plan members with a better benefits experience.

    Colaiacovo brings to her role 18 years of experience with Equitable Life, building strong distribution partnerships and delivering exceptional client service.

    She joined Equitable Life in 2005 and has held roles of increasing responsibility in our Group distribution organization.
     
    Since 2011, she has served as our Group Account Executive for the Ottawa territory. In that role, she quadrupled the size of our client base in the region and established strong and lasting relationships with key distribution partners. She was recognized as Equitable Life’s Group Account Executive of the Year three consecutive times – in 2019, 2020 and 2021.  
     
    “Sofia will further strengthen our Group Leadership Team and reinforce our ongoing commitment to building enduring distribution partnerships and delivering great service,” says Marc Avaria, Equitable Life’s Senior Vice-President, Group.
     
    “Sofia’s success has come from taking the time to understand the needs of her partner advisors and their clients,” he adds. “By asking the right questions and listening, she has been able to provide valuable and practical solutions to meet their needs.”
     
    Colaiacovo graduated from Carleton University with a Degree in Psychology. She holds the Group Benefits Associate (GBA) designation through the International Foundation of Employee Benefits Plans.
  6. New “Update Payment” feature for banking changes has launched! Great news! Equitable® has launched a new self-serve "Update Payment" feature in Client Access and on EquiNet®. This new online process enables clients and advisors to easily submit key banking change requests for eligible insurance policies*, with no need to complete a physical form.

    What’s new?

    A new "Update Payment" feature is now available on Client Access and on EquiNet under Policy Inquiry. It allows clients (and advisors) to easily submit requests for the following three transactions online:

    1.  STOP pre-authorized payments.

    2.  RESUME pre-authorized payments on overdue accounts.

    3.  CHANGE which bank we withdraw money from.




    The new "Update Payment" feature replaces the previous "Edit" button in Client Access. The old banking change options are still available in the client’s Profile section. They can be used to request a change to the payment withdrawal date, as that option is not yet available with the new Update Payment feature. 

    How it works!

    When a change is requested using the new Update Payment feature, our Operations team receives it online.  They will review and process the changes within three business days, as per Equitable’s current service standards. 

    The Update Payment feature in Client Access is a self-serve process. However, if a client prefers, their advisor or an Equitable Customer Service associate can assist them by submitting the request on their behalf. Clients will be asked to sign to approve any such requests that are submitted by someone other than the owner of the policy.

    *The Update Payment transactions are only available for eligible policies: those that have not lapsed, are not on Automatic Premium Loan, and are not owned by a corporation or other entity.

    We trust that these digital enhancements will help make the client and advisor experience even simpler and more efficient.

    Need more information? Please contact your Equitable wholesaler.

    ® or TM denotes a trademark of The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada.
  7. April 2026 eNews

    In this issue:

    Coming soon: Enhancements to Equitable EZBenefits plans for small business

    Register now: Free webinar connects nutrition and employee health

    Reminder: One-time passcodes will be added to our login experience*

    Service-related survey will go to clients in May*

     

    *Indicates content we will share with your clients.

     

    Coming soon: Enhancements to Equitable EZBenefits plans for small business

     

    Equitable EZBenefits® was created to provide a better benefits experience for small businesses in Canada. With a range of plan designs to fit the needs and budgets of companies with 2-25 employees, this unique solution is affordable, sustainable and easy to manage.

     

    Now, we’re enhancing EZBenefits to deliver even greater value for more small businesses.

     

    Overview of enhancements

     

    We’re making the following updates:

    • Dental coverage for new Bronze plans: Basic dental coverage will be available for Bronze-level EZBenefits plans. Coverage will be 70% with a $750/year maximum, 12-month recall and six scaling units.

    • Definition of earnings for long-term disability (LTD) coverage: Earnings for LTD coverage will include bonuses and commissions, to reflect common small business pay structures.

    • Part-time eligibility for Saskatchewan employers: For Saskatchewan-based employers with 10 or more employees, the definition of part-time employment will shift to 15 hours per week to match the province’s definition.

     

    These enhancements will be included in new EZBenefits plans with effective dates of June 1, 2026, or later.

     

    In-force EZBenefits clients can also access these enhancements starting June 1, 2026, by requesting a plan amendment.

     

    You may wish to discuss these enhancements with your EZBenefits clients so they can make the best decisions for their plans.

     

    An “EZ” solution for you

     

    EZBenefits is also designed with advisors’ needs in mind. By providing fast quotes, a streamlined implementation process and an advisor concierge service, we’ve reduced your administrative burden and made supporting your small business clients easier.

     

    To learn about EZBenefits or the upcoming enhancements, please contact your Group Account Executive.


    Register now: Free webinar connects nutrition and employee health


    Plan to attend this special virtual session where Dr. Jeffrey Alfonsi, Chief Medical Officer and Co-Founder of RxFood, will share research that links overall health and nutrition.

     

    Poor nutrition is often connected to chronic disease. And chronic disease is heavily affecting the Canadian workforce—impacting productivity, driving up incidence of disability among employees and health benefits costs for employers.
     

    During his presentation, Dr. Alfonsi will underscore the difference healthy eating can make in several areas, including:

    • Chronic disease management and prevention

    • Early return to work from disability leave

    • GLP-1 agonist need and usage rates

    • Mental health and wellness

       

    You’ll also learn how employers can make good nutrition more accessible to employees and support their holistic health.


    Nutrition matters

    The powerful connection between diet and employee health

    When: Thursday, May 21, 2026,
    10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET

    Where: Online (register here)

    The webinar will be presented in English only. CE credits will be available.

     

    Reminder: One-time passcodes will be added to our login experience

     

    Soon, you may need to complete a new security step when you log in to your account on EquitableHealth.ca® and the Equitable EZClaim® mobile app. Anyone who logs in with an email address and password may be required to enter a one-time passcode that’s provided via email.

     

    By adding this form of multi-factor authentication (MFA) to the login process, we’re further enhancing our digital security and helping safeguard your account access and our clients’ personal data.

     

    Skip the one-time passcode. Create a passkey.

     

    However, you won’t need to enter a one-time passcode if you create a passkey to log in. Passkeys are another form of MFA. They are safe and provide a quicker, easier, secure way to access your account, using either biometrics – your face or fingerprint – or a PIN authenticator to confirm your identity.

     

    Learn more about passkeys. You’ll see how easy it is to set up on your mobile device or computer. Please reach out to your Group Account Executive if you have any questions.

     

    Service-related survey will go to clients in May

     

    At Equitable, we’re committed to providing clients and plan members industry-leading service. And we’re continually looking for ways to improve.

     

    On May 11, we’ll invite clients to complete a survey to help us understand where we’re delivering exceptional service, and how we can better meet their needs and those of their plan members. Their feedback will be kept confidential. However, we may follow up with some clients to address any concerns they identify.

     

    Every client who completes the survey will be entered into a random draw for a chance to win one of three pre-paid $200 gift cards. Clients will have through May 25 to complete the questionnaire for a chance to win a gift card.

  8. [pdf] Health Care Spending Account - Plan administrators
  9. Advisor Guide