Site Search

404 results for click to enter PROBLEMGO.com pay to dismiss case no lawyer needed HMP Doncaster

1. Featured
2. Levelizing taxes on fixed income investments

   A smart strategy to promote with clients

   Many clients choose fixed income investments because they are more stable and predictable than other investment types. However, there is a downside to this approach that many don’t think about – taxes, which increase as the investment grows. As an advisor, you can help clients reduce some of the money they pay in taxes by suggesting a different approach.

   
   The tax challenge

   In most cases, fixed income investments are taxed yearly. To pay these taxes, clients usually take out some of the interest income earned, and leave the rest invested. This in turn increases the tax that must be paid on the interest earned the next year. As a result, a large amount of the investment income earned each year goes straight to taxes with a growing amount of tax that must be paid each year. You can show clients a solution that can help lower total taxes they pay on their fixed income investments. 

   
   The solution: levelize the tax

   Using participating whole life (WL) insurance as part of a financial solution, you can help clients levelize their annual tax payment. And lower the cumulative tax they must pay on their fixed income investments. 

   
   
   
   How it works 

   Each year the client takes out the full amount of the interest earned on the fixed income investment. They leave only the principal amount. Part of the interest income withdrawn is used to pay the taxes on the fixed income investment. The remaining amount is used to pay premiums for a participating WL policy. Because the client is leaving only the principal amount invested, the tax they pay each year is a levelized amount. This reduces the cumulative taxes they pay over the life of the fixed income investment.
   
   With this solution, the value of the fixed income investment along with the potential value provided by the participating WL policy, can mean a higher estate value. And a lower cumulative tax bill than what can be achieved through only the fixed income investment.
   
   The participating life insurance not only provides valuable life insurance coverage, but also offers tax-advantaged growth and the potential for dividends. 
   
   To help explain this concept to individual clients, feel free to share Levelize the tax on your fixed income investments with participating whole life (1799).
   
   This concept also works with corporate owned participating whole life policies. Feel free to share Levelize the tax on fixed income investments with corporately-owned participating whole life (1874).  

   
   Why it matters

   This solution isn’t just about lowering taxes. It’s about helping clients grow their money, plan for their future, and protect what matters most. As an advisor, guiding clients toward solutions that address both immediate and future needs can set you apart and help build trust.
   
   Contact your wholesaler to learn more.
3. [pdf] Pivotal Select Application - FHSA
4. Start a Conversation with EZstart – Now Available for Equimax Wealth Accumulator Looking for an easy way to explain insurance? We have a digital tool to do just that!
    
   Start a Conversation with EZstart™
    
   EZstart helps to commence those initial client conversations. Think of it like a digital brochure: you start a conversation about life goals, enter a few details - and within a few clicks - get a quick quote on your phone or tablet instantly.
   
   We have a NEW EZstart for Equimax Wealth Accumulator® available. Go to the EZstart for Equimax Wealth Accumulator now.
   
   Don’t forget about our other EZstart tools that are available for you. Learn more. 
    
   _{^® and ^TM denote trademarks of The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada.}
5. A strong close to 2024 for our participating account Equitable takes pride in its mutual structure. Our participating clients benefit from the wide range of assets we invest in. We also work to ensure these investments support and strengthen communities across Canada. Thanks to our investment team, participating clients enter 2025 with a strong long-term outlook.
   
   The December 2024 Participating Account Asset Mix Quarterly Update has now been posted.
   
   View the #1360 piece here.
   
   For more information, please contact your local wholesaler.
    
6. Equitable's Spring update & 2025 Dividend Scale Announcement

   
   Join us virtually on June 5th, 2025!

    
   We invite you to join us virtually on June 5^th, as our senior leaders share some exciting updates and the latest dividend scale news - all beginning at 1:00pm EDT.
   
   When: Thursday, June 5^th, 2025
   
    Time: 1:00pm – 1:20pm EDT
   
   
   
   On the day of the event, choose your language preference option below when it’s time to enter the meeting.
     
   (*The French and Chinese events will be partially in English, with sub-titles on screen).
   
   We look forward to seeing you there!
7. Market Commentary January 2026
   
   Key Takeaways
   
   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 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.
   
   
   Stock 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.
8. Welcome Fidelity to Equitable Life’s Pivotal Select segregated funds lineup
   Equitable Life^® is pleased to welcome Fidelity to its Pivotal Select™ segregated funds lineup.
   • Equitable Life Fidelity^® Special Situations Fund Select
   • Equitable Life Fidelity^® Tactical Asset Allocation Income Portfolio Select
   • Equitable Life Fidelity^® Tactical Asset Allocation Balanced Portfolio Select
   • Equitable Life Fidelity^® Tactical Asset Allocation Growth Portfolio Select

   These new funds are available on all the Pivotal Select load types and guarantee classes, providing you and your clients with even more choice and flexibility.
   
   To learn more about Fidelity, click here. To learn more about the funds, click here.
    
   Speak to your Regional Investment Sales Manager today about Equitable’s segregated fund lineup.
    
    
    
    
    
    
   Equitable Life and Pivotal Select are trademarks of The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada.
   Fidelity and Fidelity Investments are registered trademarks of 483A Bay Street Holdings LP. Used with permission.
   
    

9. Recent Updates
10. [pdf] Daily/Guaranteed Interest Account Advisor Guide