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Saving time with our fully digital group benefits application On May 1, 2023, we are launching Equitable BenefitsApply™, our fully digital group benefits application.

This enhancement to the benefits application process will help both you and your clients save time when applying for an Equitable Life group benefits policy. We designed and developed BenefitsApply with input and feedback from several advisors and clients, who tested the tool for themselves.

In most cases, BenefitsApply will replace our traditional paper implementation process.*

BenefitsApply eliminates the need for clients to complete and sign multiple, lengthy paper forms. Time-saving features for you and your clients include:
- A fully digital online application that you can access wherever and whenever you need it,
- Pre-filled standard fields,
- Only one signature required from plan sponsors,
- A smart application that only includes the sections relevant to the client and the plan design they have chosen, and
- Automatic notifications of any missing fields.
Your Client Relationship Specialist is available to support you, provide a demo and provide training on how to use BenefitsApply.

We will continue improving BenefitsApply’s features based on feedback from the people who use it—you and your clients. We encourage you to share any feedback you have with your Group Account Executive or your Client Relationship Specialist.

*BenefitsApply is currently available for groups with up to four divisions and up to four classes. It is not available for myFlex Benefits plans, or for clients with a customized master application.

EAMG Market Commentary October 2023

October 20, 2023

Rates & Credit - Interest rates increased steadily in Q3 against the backdrop of sticky inflation, strong economic growth, and a tight labour market. In Canada, corporate bonds outperformed government bonds and the broader FTSE Canada Universe Index during the quarter, with a loss of 2.2%, versus a loss of 4.4% for government bonds and a loss of 3.9% for the overall index. The outperformance was primarily driven by the fact that the corporate bond index is less sensitive to interest rates movements (as compared to the government index), all else being equal. The outperformance was also driven by an improvement in risk-appetite, with lower-rated BBBs slightly outperforming higher-rated A bonds. Industries with higher interest rate exposure such as infrastructure, energy, and communications underperformed those with less (notably financials and securitization), consistent with the overall shift in the yield curve.

Equities Lose Traction – Global equity markets lost momentum last quarter with the TSX declining 2.2% while major developed economies from Europe, Australasia, and the Far East (EAFE) fell 1.3% in local currency terms. U.S. equity markets, while falling approximately 3.3%, were cushioned by a strong greenback, with the index declining only 1% in Canadian dollar terms. With inflation prints continuing to be stubbornly high and employment data remaining strong, central bankers emphasized their commitment to a higher-for-longer approach to monetary policy. The hawkish tones out of the Federal Reserve pushed bond yields higher and consequently, pressured equities lower. Furthermore, mixed economic data out of China rattled investor sentiment over the quarter as global growth forecasts came under scrutiny.

U.S. Fundamentals – Although U.S. earnings continue to contract on a year-over-year basis, companies surpassed expectations with investors remaining highly focused on signs of deteriorating operating margins. After bouncing off Q1 2022 lows, forward earnings guidance continues to improve on a quarterly basis. Based on our analysis, ~35% of major companies revised earnings forecasts higher (+2% versus Q2) while ~33% held expectations constant, with the balance expecting deteriorating financial performance. Overall, improved efficiencies through cost-cutting measures and stronger-than-expected pricing power have contributed to resilience in operating margins, and therefore renewed optimism about forecasted financial performance.

Equal Weight S&P 500 versus S&P 500 – Persistent crowding into mega-cap technology stocks – which has driven the majority of market returns year-to-date in the U.S. – slowed at the beginning of the summer before reaccelerating into quarter end. The persistence of this trend has resulted in the equal-weighted version of the S&P 500 index returning a mere 1.8% over the first three quarters of the year, markedly lower than the 13.1% return observed from the S&P 500. We continue to emphasize that a crowded market surge is not uncommon during late stages of the economic cycle, and we remain focused on delivering optimal risk-adjusted returns with quantitative factors.

U.S. Quant Factors – The quality-growth areas of the market continued to outperform last quarter with market participants seeking large cash-rich companies with innovative product offerings and stable operating margins. That said, the pricing power of these companies has weakened more recently with consumers having depleted pandemic-era savings and stimulus. As such, fundamentals are beginning to appear overvalued. Low volatility stocks (i.e. stocks with lower sensitivity to broad market movement and lower price volatility) performed in-line with the overall market for most of the summer before underperforming into quarter-end when crowding into big-tech returned. While top-line projections are forecasted to post stable growth, the basket’s relatively lower operating margins remain a headwind amid surging interest rates. Dividend growth companies, which include businesses with a lengthy and established history of increasing dividends, performed approximately in-line with the broader index over the quarter. With the market forecasting overly-negative fundamental performance, this factor is positioned as a contrarian opportunity in the market.

Canadian Fundamentals – Unlike those in the U.S., Canadian companies reported shrinking operating margins in general, pressuring equity pricing. Like in the U.S., Canadian corporate earnings were mostly consistent with expectations but continue to contract on a year-over-year basis. The energy sector benefitted from a ~30% increase in oil prices during the quarter, as OPEC’s restrictive oil production schedule pushed crude markets deeper into under-supplied territory. Those higher energy prices buoyed performance of stocks in the energy sector, one of only two sectors with positive performance during the quarter, helping partially offset softer-than-expected results out of the financials and communications sectors. Meanwhile, the Bank of Canada continued with its hawkish monetary policy by raising its overnight interest rate by another 25 basis points, bringing it to 5%. Their efforts to slow economic growth are beginning to cause some deterioration in fundamentals and, with one quarter remaining, analysts are expecting Canadian earnings to contract ~9% for the year.

Canadian Quant Factors – With central banks around the world continuing to hike interest rates and uncertainty surrounding China’s economic health, global growth prospects fluttered over the quarter. The cyclical nature of the Canadian market, and therefore its reliance on global partners, saw equity prices put under pressure by growth concerns. As a result, the quality bucket benefitted from defensive positioning by investors and thus resumed its climb in Canada. Investors continue to prefer mature, large businesses that are better positioned in a restrictive economic environment due to their more stable operating margins. The value factor – which was beaten down in Q2 – rebounded last quarter with supply-driven energy strength helping to propel energy stocks higher. Low volatility initially displayed similar performance to the TSX, but energy’s rapid surge into the end of summer pressured the group lower. Given higher risk-free rates, the dividend factor also underperformed over the quarter, with dividend yields becoming less attractive on risk adjusted basis.

Views From the Frontline

Rates – Both nominal and real – rose sharply in Q3 to levels not seen since the Great Financial Crisis of 2008. A healthy labour market, strong consumer spending, persistent inflation and excess supply concerns drove the interest rate increase. Although the economy is starting to witness a deceleration in consumer spending and tighter credit conditions, central banks remain committed to maintaining a higher policy rate for longer to bring inflation back to the 2% target.

Credit – The risk premium for corporate bonds (versus government bonds) has been range-
bound over the past quarter as investors’ evaluations of a variety of scenarios have evolved: soft-landing versus a recession, geopolitical uncertainty, further central bank increases, among other things. 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.

Equities – Geographically, we began the quarter with a preference for U.S. equities relative to Canada and EAFE. In-line with our expectations, U.S. stocks outperformed the two regions in Canadian dollar terms. That said, weakness in the Euro versus the Canadian dollar was a headwind for our EAFE exposure. With earnings yield – which is the percentage of earnings relative to price – becoming less attractive compared to risk-free rates in the U.S., and the greenback strength becoming overstretched from a technical perspective, we have pared back our overweight U.S. position. Moreover, with Chinese officials focusing efforts on the introduction of new stimulus packages, we believe that more cyclical markets like Canada and EAFE will retrace some of their losses in the near term. Within the U.S., we entered Q3 with a constructive view on high quality growth segments of the market that provide strong operating margins during the current late economic cycle conditions. The factor moved in-line with our expectations, as highlighted in the “U.S. Quant Factor” section, and we are tactically decreasing our exposure amid stretched fundamentals. In Canada, we continue to prefer high-quality companies due to their strong fundamentals, with the group currently displaying momentum versus the broader TSX. Tactically, we are participating in the oil supply shock through the value factor.

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
Mohamed Bouhadi, CFA Senior Analyst, Rates	Tyler Farrow Analyst, Equity	Andrew Vermeer 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 Life of Canada® 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.

Posted November 3, 2023

Welcome EZtransact from Equitable Life
On July 28, 2021, Savings & Retirement is launching online transactions for segregated funds. A new way to make managing your client’s policies quick and convenient. With a growing need for digital solutions, Equitable Life’s new EZtransact eliminates the hassle of filling out forms, facilitating signatures yourself, submitting copies to your MGA and being tied down to business hours for submitting transactions.

Available on EquiNet's secure website, EZtransact’s first service will allow advisors to setup a one-time or recurring deposit or edit an existing pre-authorized debit already in place. In just five simple steps, EZtransact:
1. Collects the deposit details,
2. Pre-populates pre-existing relevant details,
3. Alerts you to any missing information,
4. Facilitates the signing process and
5. Sends a copy of the transaction to your MGA, eliminating any need for duplicate copies, or additional steps.
“We are excited to be able to launch a new digital solution for our advisors”, said Vice-President, Savings and Retirement, Judy Williams. “We feel this new application complements our existing highly rated EZcomplete® online application process. With both solutions available to advisors, we are making it even easier to do business with Equitable Life”.

If you are already registered with EquiNet, go online today, and give EZtransact a try. If you are not registered, contact your local Regional Investment Sales Manager or, call our Advisor Services Team to have a Regional Investment Sales Manager in your area contact you.

To learn more, click here.

® and TM denote trademarks of The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada
Celebrating our wins – 2023 Individual Insurance Marketing Recap Equitable^® would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year and we are looking forward to doing more business together in 2024!

As we start a brand new year, we would like to share with you some highlights of our 2023 initiatives in Individual Insurance. These projects aimed to make it easier to do business and enrich your experience of working with us.

Digital & Administration Enhancements
Our 2023 digital transformation initiatives ensured smoother processes, streamlined operations, and improved user experiences for advisors and clients:
● Digital Transactions for Universal Life Plans
● Text Notifications Keep You Informed on Your New Business
● New Online Policy Loan Form
● EZcomplete Enhancement for Critical Illness
● New Life & CI Application

Product Updates
Equally pivotal were our efforts in enhancing our individual life insurance solutions to empower you to confidently recommend us to clients:
● A Tune-Up for Equimax
● The Equimax Evolution Continues
● Critical Illness Insurance Update
● New Dividend Scale Interest Rate

To learn more about the above initiatives, kindly reach out to your local wholesaler.
Thank you for entrusting us with your business in 2023!
Continue watching for news from Equitable for more great launches and enhancements in 2024!

^®or ^TMdenote trademarks of The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada
New! Evidence of Insurability Schedule We are pleased to announce Equitable’s new Evidence of Insurability Schedule. The new schedule applies to all life and critical illness insurance applications signed on or after October 5, 2024.

Here are the benefits to you:

●  New chart is easier to read with more clarity and transparency.
●  ECG and TST are no longer routinely required for Life applicants.
●  Blood and urine requirement is streamlined for Life applicants.
●  Detailed underwriting requirements for higher coverage amounts and mature applicants.

Please refer to the new Evidence of Insurability schedule (Form #1343) for full details.

Equitable^® has the right to ask for more evidence of insurability. We will do this if we feel it is needed to assess the risk.

Key changes – Age and amount requirements

Life applicants:

●  Resting ECG: No longer a routine age and amount requirement. This may still be requested at our underwriter’s discretion.
●  Treadmill ECG: No longer required at any age or amount.
●  Standalone Urine: Standalone urine changed to blood and urine at $100,001 and $500,000 coverage amounts for clients over age 55.
●  Mature Age Focus Interview (MAFI): New for clients aged 75+. As part of the paramedical, we will assess the applicant’s Activities of Daily Living, social activities, and word recall ability.

Life and Critical Illness applicants:

●  For clients aged 70+, evidence is now valid (recent) if completed within the past 6 months. For all other applicants (ages 18-69), there is no change – evidence is valid if completed within the past 12 months.

Financial/Third-party verification

Reminder – this is required for life insurance amounts over $5M. Our underwriting team will be pleased to assist you with this step.

Questions? Please contact your Equitable wholesaler or reach out to our underwriting team.

^® or ^TMdenotes a trademark of the Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada.
Let’s “Talk Money”: From first savings to retirement income
Financial Literacy Month may be ending, but the conversation shouldn’t.

Talking with an advisor helps normalize money conversations— including discussions on saving, spending, managing debt, and more. This can help clients feel better and make smarter financial choices. As an advisor, you can guide clients from their first savings through to retirement with Equitable^®.

Starting out? Clients can consider:
Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA)
Save for short- or long-term goals and take out money anytime, tax-free.

First Home Savings Account (FHSA)
Save up to $40,000 tax-free for a first home. Contributions may be tax-deductible, and withdrawals are tax-free for buying a qualifying home.

Growing wealth? Clients can consider:
Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP)
Contributions may be tax-deductible. Good for long-term savings—money grows tax-free until retirement.

Guaranteed Interest Account (GIA) / Daily Interest Account (DIA)
Earn steady interest with flexible terms. Available in a TFSA, RRSP, and FHSA.

Retirement ready? Clients can consider:
Payout annuities
Guaranteed income for life or a set time. Helps make sure savings last.

Resources to support these conversations

Use our easy online tools: EZcomplete^® to apply and EZtransact™ for transactions. Let’s help Canadians save smarter—one step at a time. When we work together, success is mutual.

Reach out to your Director, Investment Sales if you have questions.
Get to know our large case experts
New episode in our Ask our Experts video series
At Equitable^®, we’re committed to the large case market. Our dedicated team of experts is here to support you from application through to policy placement.

Today, we are thrilled to share the second episode of Ask our Experts. This mini docuseries features key members of our large case team. They talk about their work, their perspectives, and their role in the large case experience.

Watch Ask our Experts Episode 2 featuring Kevin Till, AVP of Individual Life Pricing.

Kevin chats with us about:
     • What he finds interesting about large case pricing.
    • How quickly Equitable can turn around a large case quote.
     • The difference between a mutual and a stock insurance company.
     • Equitable’s reinsurance strategy.

In case you haven’t seen it…
Watch Ask our Experts Episode 1 with Cindy Shirley, Chief Underwriter and Claims Risk Management.

Learn more:
Visit our large case markets webpage to learn more about our team of dedicated experts.

Do you have a large case opportunity? Talk to your wholesaler to learn more.

® and ™ denote trademarks of The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada.
Tax Slips – What you need to know
It is tax time, and clients should be receiving tax slips and deposit receipts by now. Check out the Tax Slips: A Quick Reference Guide for a taxation breakdown by product and Insights into Non-Registered Taxation for a detailed explanation on investment income, and why T3 tax slips are generated on non-registered segregated funds.

Clients who registered for tax slips on Equitable Client Access before December 31, 2022, can download or print tax slips quickly and easily from their Equitable^® Client Access Inbox. Advisors can download tax receipts on Document Lookup on EquiNet^®.

For questions about contribution limits, Retirement Income Fund minimums and Canada pension maximums check out Equitable Life®’s helpful 2023 Facts & Figures guide.

Equitable's Advisor Services Team is available Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. ET at 1.866.884.7427 or by email at savingsretirement@equitable.ca. You can also contact your Regional Investment Sales Manager.

_®_{denotes a trademark of The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada.}
_{^{Posted: February 15, 2023}}
Equitable’s EZstart tool
Did you miss our Equimax update in December?
Equimax – a better and stronger solution!

Discover the latest Equimax updates

Great news! We’ve made further updates to our Equimax^® insurance solution to better serve clients.

Here are some of the changes:

● A new guaranteed 10 pay premium option for Equimax Wealth Accumulator^®.
● You can now add an Excelerator deposit option (EDO) on Equimax Estate Builder^® and Wealth Accumulator plans with a 10 Pay premium option (term rider not required at issue of the policy).
● We increased our flexibility with EDO. This will make it easier for clients to stop and start EDO contributions without losing their maximum approved contribution room. On top of that, these changes will apply to all inforce policies. A single set of EDO rules will apply to every Equimax policy whether it’s issued tomorrow or 10 years ago, making it simpler to help clients manage their policies.
● We increased the maximum amount of Equimax coverage that can be applied for without a special quote from $20M to $25M.

Equimax is now an even better and stronger solution. For a full breakdown of these product updates visit our splash page.

*Video available in English with French and Chinese sub-titles.

Please refer to our Transition Rules for all the details on processing your applications.

Need more information? Please contact your Equitable wholesaler.