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1. 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.
2. 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.
    
3. 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
4. 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.
    
5. 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.
    
6. 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.
    
7. 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.  

8. New publication: CLHIA consumer guide for critical illness In February, the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA) published a new consumer guide for critical illness. This guide covers what clients need to know about critical illness.
   
   Some of the topics include:
   ● What critical illness insurance covers in Canada
   ● If critical illness insurance is the right choice for a client
   ● What critical illness insurance policies may or may not include
   ● Plan types and offerings
   ● And more!
   
   Equitable is committed to helping clients make informed decisions about their insurance needs. You can find links to the CLHIA critical illness consumer guide on equitable.ca and through EquiNet > Individual Insurance > Critical Illness. You can also find a link to the CLHIA agent guide for critical illness on EquiNet.
   
   Share this with clients in addition to the great resources below!
   
   Critical illness insurance with Equitable video: View on Vimeo.
   
   Critical illness prospective letter template – simply fill it out and send off to your clients!
   
   Want to earn CE credits? Check out our Critical Illness Path to Success program.
   
   Need more information?
   Your Equitable Wholesaler is here to help!
   
   
   
   ^® and ^TM denote trademarks of The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada.
9. EAMG Market Commentary April 2024 April 2024
    
   Rates & Credit – Interest rates increased in Q1 2024, giving back half of the decline experienced in Q4 2023 amid consistently positive surprises in U.S. economic data.  The positive economic news also drove a strong risk-on tone to the market, with the risk premium on corporate bonds tightening as economic prospects improved.  In Canada, corporate bonds outperformed government bonds and the broader FTSE Canada Universe Index (FTSE) with a slightly positive 0.07% return, verses a loss of 1.66% in government bonds and a loss of 1.22% for the overall index.  More interest rate sensitive long-term bonds experienced the largest decline, which was partially offset in corporate bonds by the risk-on tone to corporate bond spreads.  On a 6-month and 1-year basis, the FTSE remained positive at 6.94% and 2.10%, respectively.  Within corporate bonds, lower-rated BBBs outperformed higher-rated A bonds, while industries with higher interest rate exposure such as infrastructure, energy, and communications underperformed those with less exposure (notably financials and securitization).
   
   
    
    
   Equity Overview – Throughout Q1 2024, concerns about a recession gradually eased as central bankers adopted a more accommodative outlook on monetary policy. Their growing dovishness reflected confidence that the restrictive monetary measures were effectively curbing inflation as anticipated. Underpinned by prospects of an economic soft-landing, global equity markets rallied to start the year with most major North American indices soaring to new all-time highs during the quarter. U.S. equities continued to outperform other major international markets with the S&P 500 returning 10.6% in USD terms. Major developed economies from Europe, Australasia, and the Far East (EAFE) gained 10.1% in local currency terms, while the TSX added 6.6%. Furthermore, the U.S. economy continued to prove more resilient than most major developed economies, with strong employment and robust output data. As such, foreign investors of U.S. denominated securities achieved enhanced returns, benefitting from a stronger Greenback.
   
    
   U.S. Fundamentals – Corporate earnings beat expectations in Q4 2023, triggering a wave of upward earnings revision. Stable operating margins, cash flows and debt loads continue to attract investors into equities. Investors appear focused on the company’s ability to sustain debt levels ahead of renewing debt obligations. We observed that the number of major companies that expect improving financial performance shrunk to ~19%. This suggests that concentration risks are likely brewing in the equity market, yet again.
    
   U.S. Quant Factors
   Optimistic run-up in equity valuations were mostly driven by the momentum factor. A basket of companies with positive price trends intensified concentration risk in the equity market. We note that momentum factor’ performance sharply contrasted fundamental factors, making us cautious on the market’s complacency. For context, high quality companies, which is typically defined by high Return on Equity (ROE), stable earnings variability, and low financial leverage, placed second in our risk-adjusted performance rankings, and is dwarfed by the ~ 17.9% return observed from the momentum factor.
    
   Canadian Fundamentals – Against the backdrop of underwhelming financial results, ROE – a gauge of how efficiently a corporation generates profits – rebounded in Q4, 2023, after declining throughout most of the year. The improved efficiency metric provided a positive catalyst for dividend investors as the inverse movements of ROE relative to financing costs over 2023 kept investors on the sidelines. In addition, the CRB Raw Industrials Index, a measure of price changes of basic commodities, broke out of recent ranges, providing a tailwind for Canada’s energy and materials sector. Concerns with earnings contraction and macro-economic conditions have subsided.
    
   Canadian Quant Factors – Crude prices soared higher in Q1 2024, with ongoing production cuts from OPEC+ and ramifications of geopolitical conflicts keeping oil markets undersupplied. As such, energy companies benefitted, surging higher and outperforming the broader index, while the low volatility basket – with lower exposure to cyclically sensitive business – underperformed into quarter end. Furthermore, Canadian banks underperformed to start the quarter, giving back some of the sharp outperformance witnessed into the end of Q4 2023. That said, soft inflation data increased expectations of impending rate cuts from the Bank of Canada and, as such, banks performed in line with the broader market throughout most of the quarter. Underpinned by expectations of a dovish switch in monetary policy, investors rewarded dividend payers with a history of increasing dividends, boosting confidence in their ability to support future dividend growth. It is important to note that investors should not let dividend growth’s outperformance overshadow high dividend paying companies’ underperformance; more specifically, investors remain attentive to the businesses’ ability to create value relative to financing costs.  
   
   Views From the Frontline
    
   Rates – Interest rates in both Canada and the U.S. increased across all bond tenors in Q1 2024. U.S. inflation data surprised to the upside, remaining stubbornly higher than hoped, while labour market and consumer indicators underscored the economy's continued strength.  In Canada, inflation data fell below forecasts, but early 2024 GDP readings exceeded expectations. The market now anticipates a 'soft landing' for the U.S. economy; however, the Canadian economy continues to slow. North American central banks have signaled that we are at the peak for policy rates. The market is currently pricing in approximately two-to-three, 25 basis point interest rate cuts by the U.S. Federal Reserve in the second half of 2024, much fewer than the six-to-seven 25 basis point interest rate cuts that the market had been anticipating even just three months ago.  As the Swiss central bank led the way with the first rate cut among developed countries, central banks in major developed economies will closely monitor upcoming data and market developments to determine the timing and pace for rate cuts.
    
   Credit – The risk premium for corporate bonds (versus government bonds) continued to tighten over the quarter, with a strong risk-on tone to the market as investors priced in renewed economic growth in 2024 as compared to previous expectations.  Corporate bond supply was robust, with $38.2bn in new issuance, the second strongest first quarter on record.  On the balance, we do not think the current risk premium adequately compensates for downside risk, particularly in longer-dated corporate bonds, and have a bias towards shorter-dated credit where we view the risk / reward dynamic as being more favourable.
    
   Equity – We favour a combination of the Dow Jones and the S&P500 for our broad market exposure. The Dow, a price-weighted index, should have some value and low volatility tilt as it tracks mature large companies.  As explained above, concentration risks are brewing in the equity market, and during Q1 this risk was exacerbated by investors rushing into a basket of companies with positive price trends, thereby pushing valuation metrics further into the expensive territory.  In our view, it is well-suited to use a combination of the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 for broad U.S. market exposure given the heightened concentration risk. Looking forward, we expect companies to exhibit stable operating margins and therefore, we are shifting our focus toward the balance between upcoming corporate debt refinancing requirements and reinvestment in projects intended to drive future growth. In plain words, we are tactically adding to companies with stable cash flows and decreased debt loads outside of the mega-cap group. In Canada, we expect a modest earnings growth and remain attentive to how efficiently a corporation generates profits relative to their financing cost. We caution against the overly optimistic, commodity driven, “catch-up” trade vs. our southern neighbour. Therefore, we tweaked our investment strategy by rotating out of the low volatility factor and adding to higher yielding quality companies in Canada.
    

   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	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.
    
    
10. Is it time to revisit bonds?

    You see the interest rate predictions and talk of inflation in the news every day. What should clients do? Is it time to consider bonds?
     
    Join our webcast with Darcy Briggs, Senior Vice-President, Portfolio Manager, of the Franklin Canadian Core Plus Bond Fund, for insights on the impacts of interest rates and inflation movement on bond portfolios and how to navigate during this time of uncertainty.
     
    Darcy and the team skillfully combine Canadian core bonds with non-core fixed income opportunities to create a solution that is built around a foundation of high-quality Canadian bonds. They opportunistically add “off benchmark” securities for added yield and diversification.
     
    You don’t want to miss it.

     

    Learn more
     
     

     
    Continuing Education Credits
    This webcast has been submitted for continuing education (CE) approval with the Insurance Council of Manitoba and Alberta Insurance Council for all provinces excluding Quebec. Upon approval, you will be sent an email notification to come back to the webinar presentation console to download your personalized certificate from the tool bar. 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.
    
    Date Posted: April 25, 2024