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1. EAMG Market Commentary January 2024

   
   
   Rates & Credit – Interest rates decreased sharply in Q4 as the market priced in aggressive interest rate cuts by central banks in 2024.  The prospect of lower interest rates also drove a strong risk-on tone to the market, with the risk premium on corporate bonds grinding tighter as prospects for a “soft landing” improved. The rally in interest rates resulted in the best quarter for bonds over the past 15 years, with the FTSE Canada Universe Index returning 8.3%.  Corporate bonds modestly underperformed the Universe Index with a return of 7.3%.  The lower return for corporate bonds was primarily driven by the fact that the corporate bond index is less sensitive to interest rate movements (as compared to the government index), partially offset by the risk-on tone to the market.  Within corporate bonds, lower-rated BBBs outperformed higher-rated A bonds. Industries with higher interest rate exposure such as infrastructure, energy, and communications outperformed those with less exposure (notably financials and securitization), consistent with the overall shift in the yield curve.
   
   
    
   Santa Came to Town – Moving in sync with bonds, global equities jolted higher into the end of the year with cooling inflation data and dovish comments from central bankers. The U.S. market outperformed most regions last quarter with the S&P 500 returning 11.7% in USD terms, bringing the total return in 2023 to 26.3%. The TSX added 8.1% in Q4, boosting the total annual return to 11.8%. Meanwhile, major developed economies from Europe, Australasia, and the Far East (EAFE) gained 5.0% in local currency terms over the quarter, helping the region produce a 16.8% return from the year prior. Prospects of interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve saw the Loonie rally into year-end and resultantly, investors of Canadian dollar securities witnessed enhanced returns. Strong domestic U.S. economic data helped value pockets of the market outperform. That said, this was not a synchronized trend as China’s economic disappointment weighed on the performance of EAFE.
    
   
    
   U.S. Fundamentals – Our work shows that investors are shifting their focus away from operating margins and towards the ability to sustain debt levels ahead of renewing debt obligations. Corporate earnings beat modest expectations last quarter, contracting by less-than-expected on a year-over-year basis. Resilient operating margins continue to attract investors into equities. After three consecutive quarters of improving forward earnings guidance, we observed that the number of major companies expecting deteriorating financial performance grew to ~35%. We note that this is a sharp contrast relative to the optimistic run-up in equity valuations. In general, corporate pessimism has been underpinned by concerns for the health of the consumer, increasing wage pressures, and inflation.
    
   U.S. Quant Factors – While mega-cap technology stocks gave back some ground in the second half, crowding into the magnificent 7 remains noticeable with the cap weighted S&P 500 outperforming the equal weighted index by 12.5% last year. That said, value areas of the market – which underperformed through the first three quarters of the year – were top performing companies last quarter as the prospects for an economic “soft-landing” improved with U.S. inflation continuing to ease without substantial deteriorations of employment or output data. Quality-growth businesses initially outperformed as the higher-for-longer narrative continued to drive investors toward large cash-rich companies with stable margins. That said, this basket of companies gave back relative returns into quarter-end as weakness in operating margins persisted, making fundamentals appear stretched. Low volatility stocks (i.e. stocks with lower sensitivity to broad market movement and lower price volatility) rallied to start the quarter before dovish comments from central bankers improved risk-sentiment and ultimately pushed this basket lower on a relative basis. Lastly, dividend growth companies, which include businesses with a lengthy and established history of increasing dividends, underperformed the broader index as market participants punished businesses that slowed capital growth projects during the rising interest rate environment. While operating margins have declined, the basket’s strong cash flow and low debt burden may be advantageous if the market’s anticipation of impending interest rate cuts proves to be incorrect or mistimed.
    
   Canadian Fundamentals – Although Canadian companies exceeded bleak forecasts last quarter, earnings continue to contract on a year-over-year basis. Return on equity (ROE) – a gauge of how efficiently a corporation generates profits – continued to decline last quarter while corporate costs of capital remain elevated. In essence, Canadian companies are generating less value relative to their financing cost. Value creation underpins the sustainability of dividend payments, which are a unique and desirable attribute of the Canadian market. Meanwhile, the Bank of Canada held its overnight interest rate unchanged with market participants forecasting a higher probability of interest rate cuts in 2024. On the expectations of easing monetary conditions, dividend yields compressed while earnings forecasts improved with analysts predicting that index aggregate earnings will grow 6% to 8% in 2024. At a sector level, the energy industry’s financial performance normalized – in line with expectations – as weakening oil demand expectations overshadowed geopolitical conflict in the Middle East, ultimately pushing crude prices ~21% lower last quarter. The industrials and financials sectors beat expectations, helping offset softer-than-expected results from the consumer staples and technology sectors.
    
   Canadian Quant Factors – The Canadian banks underperformed for most of the year as they reported increasing provisions for nonperforming loans, reflecting forecasts of worsening economic conditions. That said, expectations of interest rate cuts in 2024 helped tame recession fears and eased concerns of slowing loan growth, propelling banks higher in the fourth quarter as they appeared more stable and therefore favourable than prior estimates. The high-quality basket underperformed last quarter as improving risk sentiment in the market reduced the attractiveness of secure companies with lower earnings variability. Furthermore, high dividend payers with solid growth prospects outperformed in the fourth quarter as market participants rewarded companies that demonstrated a strong ability to support future dividends and punished high yielding businesses with less certain financial capabilities.
    
   Views From the Frontline Rates – Interest rates declined sharply in Q4 as inflation continued to trend lower, fears of excess bond supply declined, and the Federal Open Market Committee signaled that the next change to their overnight policy interest rate would likely be lower. Labour market and consumer spending data remain resilient however businesses have indicated slowing across industries, more price-sensitive consumers, rising delinquencies, and concerns about the high cost of debt.  Central banks remain committed to achieving their 2% inflation target and most acknowledge that interest rates have likely peaked.
    
   Credit – The risk premium for corporate bonds (versus government bonds) tightened materially over the quarter, with a strong risk on tone to the market as investors priced in lower interest rates in 2024 and a “soft-landing” to economic concerns.  Corporate bond supply was well received by the market.  On the balance, we do not think the current risk premium adequately compensates for downside risk, and as such, we remain cautious on   corporate bonds and have a bias towards higher-quality, shorter-dated credit where we view the risk / reward dynamic as being more favourable.
    
   Equity – In the U.S., we allocated exposure to value names which outperformed over the quarter as the macroeconomic outlook improved on the backdrop of rate cut expectations. Looking forward, we expect that margins will continue to normalize as Covid-induced pent up demand fades. While we do not forecast margins to compress at an alarming rate, we believe sticky wage and input costs will continue to pressure businesses while consumers exhibit further exhaustion. As such, we are shifting our focus toward the balance between company reinvestment in capital projects and upcoming debt refinancing requirements. In line with this view, we favour businesses with stable cash flows and decreased debt loads as we believe they present an attractive contrarian opportunity if soft-landing projections prove to be overstated. Within Canada, we remain attentive to the inverse movements of ROE relative to financing costs over 2023. With the excess between ROE and financing costs compressing, businesses’ ability to create value appears more stretched than earlier in 2023. Therefore, we continue to favour high quality companies in Canada, which is typically defined by high ROE, stable earnings variability, and low financial leverage. Geographically, the U.S. economy appears to be in healthier condition with inflation easing while employment and output data remain stable and hence, our focus will be on capital expenditures. EAFE – which is generally more economically linked to China than North America – contains a large bucket of stable, high-quality businesses that may benefit from any upside economic surprises out of China. Lastly, through the lens of a Canadian investor, the Loonie’s relative value versus other major currencies presents another resource in our investment mandate to derive excess return.

    

   Downloadable Copy

   
    
     

   Mark Warywoda, CFA VP, Public Portfolio Management	Ian Whiteside, CFA, MBA AVP, Public Portfolio Management	Johanna Shaw, CFA Director, Portfolio Management	Jin Li Director, Equity Portfolio Management
   Tyler Farrow, CFA Senior Analyst, Equity	Andrew Vermeer Senior Analyst, Credit	Elizabeth Ayodele Analyst, Credit

    
   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. Roll out the red carpet for a refreshed Term! We are pleased to announce that updates to our Term life insurance solution are now live! We believe that Term life insurance can deliver value to clients at every stage of their life journeys. Be it at renewal or at conversion, Term is a flexible and affordable life insurance solution for clients today and into tomorrow.
   
   On February 3^rd, 2024, we refreshed our Term life insurance solution. Some of the existing and new updates with our Term offering include:
   ●  More targeted, competitive pricing,
   ●  Benefits re-aligned under the KIND™ program,
   ●  Yearly renewals. After the initial term of level premiums, Term life insurance will now renew yearly with premiums gradually increasing each year. This will help clients keep their Term protection longer without large premium increases.
   
   With these updates and more, our Term solution doesn’t just “do the job,” it’s what clients want!
   
   Visit our splash page and watch our informative video to learn more and start selling today!
    
   
   
   
   View our Transition Rules for all the details on processing your applications.
    
   We’ve also updated our illustration tool:
   ● New Desktop illustration software
   
   Want to learn more?
   Contact your Equitable wholesaler anytime!
    
   
   ® or ™ denotes a trademark of The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada.
3. This year’s RSP contribution deadline is February 29, 2024 The RSP deadline is fast approaching and here are some important things to remember.
    
   Issuing a New Policy with EZcomplete^®
   All online applications must be digitally signed and submitted and have a date stamp no later than February 29, 2024.
   
   Issuing a New Policy using Paper Application
   For contributions to qualify for the first 60 days, all paperwork must be completed and signed by February 29, 2024. Equitable^® must receive all paperwork by March 8, 2024. 
   
   Deposits to an Existing Policy
   Advisors can set up a one-time or recurring deposit or edit an existing pre-authorized debit already in place using EZtransact™. Online deposits must be made and have a date stamp by February 29, 2024, to qualify for a 2023 tax receipt. 
    
   Clients can make online deposits to Equitable through their financial institution’s online banking service. Online deposits must be made and have a date stamp by February 29, 2024, to qualify for a 2023 tax receipt.  
   
   Clients can also make a new deposit to an existing policy by cheque. The cheque must be dated and signed by February 29, 2024. Equitable must receive the cheque no later than March 8, 2024.
   
   If online banking is being used to fund the policy – either topping up an existing policy or opening a new policy – the online banking transaction must be completed by February 29, 2024, to receive a 2023 tax receipt. 
   
   Please note that cheques and other paperwork cannot be backdated.  They must be completed and signed by February 29, 2024, to qualify for a 2023 tax receipt.
   
   If you haven’t already done so, consider EZcomplete and EZtransact our easy and fast online application and deposit tools to make life easier this RSP season. 
    
   For more information, please contact your Regional Investment Sales Manager.
    
   ^® or ™ denotes a trademark of The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada.
    
   Posted February 14, 2024 
4. Equimax Participating Whole Life illustration reports are getting a makeover! As you’ve heard us say before, we focus exclusively on our clients and partners. We are continually looking for ways to make it easier to do business with Equitable^®. With this in mind, we’ve taken a long hard look at our illustration reports for Equimax^® Participating Whole Life. We have updated our reports to help make them easier to use.
   
   The new Equimax illustration report will have:
   ●  A new look and feel that matches our refreshed branding
   ●  Updated content that is clearly written and client-friendly
   ●  A reorganized layout based on advisor feedback
   ●  A cleaner, streamlined design
   
   All of these changes will go live on February 24, 2024 through the desktop and web illustration software on EquiNet^®.
   
   Have questions or want to share feedback? Talk to your Equitable Wholesaler today!
   
   
   ^® or ™ denotes a trademark of The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada.
5. Equitable explains individual life and critical illness insurance with client-focused videos! In today’s busy world, clients need guidance to help them pick the right solutions for their needs. They need quick, easy-to-understand information. With so many options out there, it can get overwhelming to make the right choice.
   
   The same goes for individual life and critical illness insurance. Which type of insurance is right for the client? Advisors can help provide that support and guidance. But perhaps, to get that conversation started, you just need to give clients a little nudge.
   
   We get it. That’s why Equitable has produced a series of client-focused videos to help advisors start those conversations.
   
   Check out our explainer videos below and share them with clients today!
   
   ●  Equimax^® participating whole life for children
   ●  Dividends
   ●  EquiLiving^® critical illness insurance
   ●  Term life insurance
   ●  Equitable Generations^™ universal life insurance
   
   
   
   Want to learn more?
   Contact your Equitable Wholesaler – we’re here to help!
   
    
   ^® or ^™ denote trademarks of The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada.
    
6. And the Equitable FHSA Contests winners are... Equitable^® is proud to be the first insurance company to offer a First Home Savings Account (FHSA) to Canadians.  
    
   Since launch in September 2023, we have received an incredible response to Equitable’s FHSA, available on Pivotal Select™ Investment Class (75/75) and Pivotal Select Estate Class (75/100).
    
   As part of this historic launch, we offered contests for clients to win $8,000 towards their 2024 FHSA contribution, with their advisor winning $2,000. We’ve now completed the draws and are thrilled to announce the following winners:
    
   January 16, 2024, draw:
   Client: Jagan A., ON
   Advisor: Krupa P., ON
    
   February 13, 2024, draw:
   Client: Pawandeep K., ON
   Advisor: Jaskaranjit S., ON
    
   Congratulations to our winners! It warms our hearts to know we are helping Canadians save for their first home.  
    
   From all of us at Equitable, thank you for your trust and partnership.
    
   ® or ™ denotes a trademark of The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada.
   
   Date Posted: March 13, 2024
7. Join us for an Equitable Master Class webcast featuring Rob Kochel from Invesco

   Equitable^® Master Class webcasts offer compelling topics and unique ideas from leading experts to help you manage and grow your business. 
    
   Losing a top client is never a pleasant experience because it makes it difficult to maintain current production levels and grow organically.
    

   • •   72.2% of financial professionals lose a top client each year¹

   • •   61.3% of those financial professionals were “surprised”¹

    
   
   Join us for our Master Class webcast featuring Rob Kochel to discover how it’s surprisingly simple to manage clients. Contrary to most client retention models that are intensive and time consuming, the Golden Hour model aims to deliver maximum benefit at a truly implementable level.
    

   Learn more

   Shannon Labby
   Vice-President, National Investment Sales
   Equitable
   
   Rob Kochel,
   Director
   Invesco Global Consulting

   Date posted: March 27, 2024

    
   Continuing Education Credits 
   To be eligible for CE credits, you must register individually, watch the webcast in full and complete a short quiz. This webcast is available in English only. 
   ¹Source: Study of 405 financial professionals, as conducted by R.A. Prince & Associates, Inc., under a proprietary contract of Invesco Global Consulting during the second half of 2015. Used with permission.
   
   ™ and ® denote trademarks of The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada.
    
8. NEW – Online courses for CE Credits from Individual Insurance Needing continuing education credits?
   Equitable^® is excited to introduce two new online courses focusing on Universal Life and Critical Illness insurance that provide immediate CE credits upon completion. The courses allow you to learn at your own pace and earn CE Credits quickly and easily. Both courses are accredited by AIC, ICM, the Institute, and La Chambre*.
    
   New courses:
   1) Where UL fits in your product portfolio
   2) Building your business with Critical Illness insurance
    
   A few important notes before you get started:
   ● The programs are hosted on Teachable: https://equitable-life-education.teachable.com/
   ● Username: Please use your email that you are contracted with.
   ● Password: Equitable
   ● Please use Google Chrome to access the courses.
   
   
   
   Check out our new individual insurance online learning centre on EquiNet^® to stay up to date on new courses and find out more information on the topics provided. While you’re there, don’t forget to take our Path to Success course!
    
   Questions?
   Contact your local wholesaler.
    
   Are you having trouble logging in?
   Email equitablelifemarketing@equitable.ca for assistance.
    
   
    
   *Please select the course with “QC credits” in the title for La Chambre credits.
   ^® or ™ denotes a trademark of The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada.
    
9. Make Equitable your first choice for insurance – has just been enhanced! Our popular marketing piece – Make Equitable^® your first choice for insurance (1510) – just got an update with the latest life insurance offerings and our new branding.
   
   It is a great conversation starter that can help…
   ● Encourage clients to discover the benefits of our insurance solutions.
   ● Start the life insurance needs conversation.
   ● Help clients understand the Equitable ‘difference’ – that our full focus is on the interests and well-being of our policyholders.
   
   Learn more by visiting our marketing materials page.
   
   Questions?
   Please contact your local wholesaler.
   
   
    
   ^® or ™ denotes a trademark of The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada.
    
10. And the winners of Equitable’s New Year’s Resolution, New Year’s Contribution Contest are…

    A big thank you for making  Equitable’s New Year’s Resolution, New Year’s Contribution contest a huge success.  
    
    Clients who made a contribution between January 1 and February 29, 2024, to their Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP), Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) or First Home Savings Account (FHSA) could win $5,000 and the advisor could win $1,000.
     
    As a special thank you to our clients and wonderful advisor partners we’ve tripled the fun and appreciation to three prizes.
    
     We’ve now completed the draws and are thrilled to announce the following winners:

    • Client: Winnie C., Ontario
      Advisor: Rebecca M., Ontario

    • Client: Eunice D., Alberta
      Advisor: Diamond O., Alberta

    • Client: Loyda A., Alberta
      Advisor: Michael V., Alberta

    Congratulations to our winners!  
    
    From all of us at Equitable, thank you for your trust and partnership.
    
    Date posted: April 24, 2024
     
    ® or ™ denotes a trademark of The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada.