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  1. EAMG - Macro Tear Sheet – Recent Market Volatility Summary By separating the noise from the signals, we believe the rotation away from the mega-cap technology names is likely to continue. Recent market volatility, triggered by a multitude of factors that include the unwind of the carry trade, investor reactions to mixed mega-cap earnings, and U.S. economic data, may present more investment opportunities for long-term outperformance. Recall over the past year that the majority of U.S. stock market performance came from a limited number of mega-cap technology companies and, in our view, moving forward it will be prudent to analyze the source of returns as rapid market rotations may punish overly-concentrated portfolios.

    chart.png
    Inflation Slows (July 11) – Headline U.S. inflation readings increased 3.0% year-over-year in June, decelerating from May (3.3%). With prices slowing ahead of forecasts but economic growth remaining strong, investors became more confident regarding the prospects of an economic soft landing.
    Outcome: market strength broadened with traders rotating out of highly concentrated areas of the market (“Fabulous 5”) and into more economically sensitive stocks that had been left behind.

    • Big Tech Earnings (July 23 – Aug 1) – High profile mega-cap technology companies – including many members of the Magnificent 7 – reported earnings growth that generally surpassed expectations as margins remained healthy. That said, investors were more focused on spending towards AI-initiatives, rewarding businesses with greater success translating their AI investments into higher sales. 
    Outcome: this trend is evident through the divergence of returns from IBM and Alphabet (Google’s parent company) after releasing their quarterly earnings. The limited number of companies that contributed to the returns of the S&P 500 failed to impress investors, extending the rotation into other areas of the market.

    • Caution is Brewing – Following a strong rally of economically sensitive pockets of the market, notably a breakout of returns from U.S. small cap companies, the low volatility factor, which tends to outperform during times of stress, moved in sync with the small caps’ strength.
    Outcome: with a lack of fundamental justification supporting small cap performance, markets showed signs of caution.

    • Central Bank Decisions (July 31)– The Federal Reserve held interest rates unchanged during its July meeting, in line with market expectations, reiterating committee members’ need for greater confidence that inflation would continue to subside. That said, policymakers signaled a reduction in policy rates could be a possibility in the coming meetings. In contrast, the Bank of Japan (BoJ) increased its key interest rate while also announcing plans to scale back bond purchases – restrictive monetary policy maneuvers aimed at backstopping the depreciating Japanese currency.
    Outcome: the bifurcation between the BoJ and most other major central banks sparked a sharp appreciation of the yen and a rapid unwind of the yen carry trade (see below for explanation).

    • Growth Scare (August 2)– In early August, a downside surprise in U.S. nonfarm payrolls (114k actual versus 175k expected) and an increase in the unemployment rate to 4.3%, higher than the 4.1% that was expected and up from 3.5% a year ago triggered concerns of a cooling labor market.
    Outcome: speculation swelled surrounding the pace of rate cuts with market participants expecting the Federal Reserve to cut rates as much as 125bps over the next 3 policy meetings, up from 50-75bps as of the end of July. Against this backdrop, the ongoing unwind of the yen carry trade accelerated.

    Yen Carry Trade Explained
    • Simply put, investors have been borrowing Japanese yen – a low yielding currency – to invest in higher-yielding foreign assets. The primary risks in a carry trade can include the uncertainty of foreign exchange rates (if unhedged), as well as changes to expectations of the underlying yields, among other risks. Over the last 2 decades, the BoJ has implemented an ultra-low interest rate monetary policy to combat deflation and stimulate growth. Furthermore, investors were emboldened by the Japanese yen’s ~53% depreciation versus the U.S. dollar over the last 10 years. With the BoJ hiking its key interest rate while also announcing plans to scale back bond purchases, the yen rallied abruptly. Consequently, highly leveraged investors have had to exit their long positions in riskier assets to repay their borrowed yen exposure.

    Peak Carry Trade Unwind – Buying Opportunity
    • Peak carry trade unwind, which implies heightened panic levels, has historically created an attractive buying environment. That said, we are focused on companies that have demonstrated robust earnings growth and healthy leverage. Given the unprecedented level of market concentration over the last year, we view the unwind of the carry trade as another catalyst for investors to rotate out of the “Fabulous 5”.

    Our Findings:
    We found that the peak unwind of the carry trade may be a buying opportunity. At present, the current level of the unwind is similar to many notable market bottoms, including the Great Financial Crisis (2008), the European debt crisis (2010), the oil crash (2014), the subsequent emerging market crisis (2015), the Covid-19 crash (2020), and the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (2023). We assessed the degree of the unwind by looking at the one-month implied volatility between three currency pairs, U.S. Dollar/Yen, Australian Dollar/Yen, and Euro/Yen. Implied volatility is a measure of the expected future volatility of the underlying assets over a given time period. Amid strong earnings growth and steady margins from quality businesses within the U.S. market, the fundamental backdrop suggests that businesses outside the concentrated AI-darlings may drive the next leg of market returns.

    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.
  2. March 2026 eNews

    In this issue:

    Equitable is adding nutrition app to all group benefits plans*
    Coming soon: One-time passcodes will be added to account login process*
    Standardized CLHIA disability form is now part of our disability claims submission package*
    Reminder: Review manual allocations for HCSAs and/or TSAs*
    Protecting clients’ plans from benefits fraud*

    *Indicates content that will be shared with your clients.
     

    Equitable is adding nutrition app to all group benefits plans

     

    Equitable is making healthy eating easier and more accessible for all group benefits plan members. Beginning in April, access to the RxFood mobile app will be added to every Equitable group benefits plan—at no extra cost.

     

    This will put personalized nutrition insights, practical tips and tailored recommendations at every plan member’s fingertips—helping them make more informed food choices that can either help prevent or manage chronic conditions, such as diabetes, high cholesterol and heart disease.

     

    What is RxFood?

     

    RxFood is Canada’s first clinically validated nutrition platform that’s used and trusted by leading health care institutions across the country, including SickKids Hospital, Diabetes Canada, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) and more, to support better health outcomes through nutrition.

     

    While we can track many aspects of our daily health—steps, heart rate, sleep, and blood sugar—food is often overlooked. RxFood helps close that gap by using technology that’s powered by artificial intelligence (AI) to turn everyday meals into meaningful health insights.

     

    How it works

     

    A plan member takes photos of their meals with their smartphone. RxFood will analyze what's on their plate, from nutritional quality to portion sizes, then provide personalized feedback, easy-to-follow suggestions and recipes with ingredient options tailored to their budget.

     

    After a few days of logging, they’ll receive a comprehensive nutrition summary showing how their eating patterns align with their personal health goals, and where to go from there.

     

    Check out the following video to learn more about RxFood— and how Equitable is putting the power to eat healthy in the hands of plan members.

    RxFood access for all plan members
     

    Coming soon: One-time passcodes will be added to account login process

     

    This spring, Equitable will launch a new multi-factor authentication (MFA) security measure to further enhance our digital security. When our new feature takes effect, anyone logging in to EquitableHealth.ca® and the Equitable EZClaim® mobile app with an email address and password may be required to enter a one-time passcode they receive via email. This will further safeguard their account access and personal data.

     

    Keep it simple – create a passkey

     

    If you don’t want to enter a one-time passcode when logging into your account, you can skip this extra step all together by creating a passkey on your mobile device or computer.

     

    Passkeys are safe and provide a quicker, easier way to log in while also enhancing account security. They use either biometrics–your face or fingerprint–or a PIN authenticator to confirm your identity.

     

    If you create and use a passkey to log in, you won’t need to enter a one-time passcode.

    Learn more about passkeys. The set-up process is simple. The two videos below guide you through creating a passkey on both your mobile device and computer.

     

    Client and plan member communications

     

    We will share this information with clients and group benefits plan members before we introduce our new security measure. Please reach out to your Group Account Executive if you have any questions.

     
    Using passkey for Equitable EZClaim mobile
    Creating a desktop passkey
    If you use the same email address to log in to your accounts on EquitableHealth.ca, EquiNet® and Equitable Client Access®, you can use the same passkey. Equitable Client Access is our secure site for Individual Insurance and Individual Wealth clients.
     


    Standardized  CLHIA disability form is now part of our disability claims submission package

     

    Clients with employees who are submitting short-term or long-term disability claims should be aware that we’ve changed one of the required forms in our disability claim submission package.

     

    The Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association’s (CLHIA) Initial Disability Insurance Medical Statement has replaced our Attending Physician’s Statement (APS) form.


    Our disability claim application packages on Equitable.ca and EquitableHealth.ca now include the CLHIA standardized form instead of our APS form. Our old form is no longer available on our websites.


    We will continue accepting our previous APS form for initiating disability claims for now. However, we’re encouraging clients to begin using the standardized form as soon as possible. Using a standardized form for disability claims across the group insurance industry helps reduce the administrative burden on physicians by simplifying the disability application process.


    If you have any questions, please contact your Group Account Executive.


    Reminder: Review manual allocations for HCSAs and/or TSAs


    If your client’s Health Care Spending Account (HCSA) and/or Taxable Spending Account (TSA) has manual allocations, they need to allocate these amounts to plan members each year.

    Plan administrators can update these amounts on EquitableHealth.ca. Here are the steps:
    • Select View certificate
    • Select Health Care Spending Account or Taxable Spending Account
    • Select Update Allocation in Task Center
    • Enter amount in Revised Allocation Amount
    • Override Reason – Plan Administrator Request
    • Select Save
    Plan administrators who have reporting capability can determine which plan members have a zero allocation by running the HCSA Totals by Plan Member report online. Here are the steps:
    • Select Reports
    • Select New
    • Select Next
    • Select HCSA or TSA Totals by Plan Member
    • Select Next
    • Enter end date of 12/31/2026
    • Select Next
    • Select Finish
    • View Report
    Your clients can also contact us at GroupBenefitsAdmin@equitable.ca for help with updating the amounts.
     

    Protecting clients’ plans from benefits fraud


    March is Fraud Prevention month – the perfect time for clients to educate their plan members on the consequences of benefits fraud.

    According to the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA), benefits fraud costs millions each year and can contribute to higher premiums for plan sponsors.

    These resources can help clients and plan members prevent benefits fraud:  

    How we protect against benefits fraud


    Our Investigative Claims Unit (ICU) uses a range of techniques, including CLHIA‑led tools, to detect and prevent benefits fraud: 
    • Joint Provider Fraud Investigation Program: Allows insurers to collaborate on fraud investigations that affect multiple insurers.
    • Data Pooling Program: Pools data between insurers and uses advanced artificial intelligence (AI) to further identify and reduce benefits fraud.
    • Provider Alert Registry: Allows insurers to view the results of other insurers’ anti-fraud investigations into specific practitioners. 

    To learn more, contact your Group Account Executive.
  3. Investment loans
  4. Investment loans
  5. Product Enhancements - 10 Pay Equitable Life has exciting product enhancements that will help you offer more options to clients. 

    Access our Virtual Product Launch NOW. Grab a coffee and get ready for this exciting news! Hear from our leaders and learn about our exciting product enhancements.

    NEW! 10 pay premium option with Equimax Estate Builder®
    • The new EquiLiving® 20 pay rider options will be available on Equimax® plans
    New Illustration software available on February 11, 2022 
    The updated illustration software will be available for download after 9 a.m. ET on Friday, February 11, 2022, and will include all the Equimax and EquiLiving enhancements.

    See the Equitable Sales Illustrations Update for information on how to download the software or check for updates. 

    Please review updates to the commission schedule A for these new enhancements.

    Learn more Get ready to make 2022 your best year yet for your sales! 

    Please contact your Regional Sales Manager for more information. 
  6. Your year-end momentum starts today! Just 79 days left to go in 2025!

    As the air turns crisp and the leaves change color, we hope you’re enjoying our beautiful Canadian fall season. But before you get too swept up in the season's fun, remember that the final quarter is also a great time of year to boost your business.

    Harvest season for success
    Many clients are reviewing their financial goals and plans now. According to LIMRA, nearly 30% of life insurance applications are submitted between October and December1. This means you have a huge sales opportunity.

    Why choose Equitable® ?
    Clients expect competitive solutions that fit their unique needs well. Equitable offers great products, digital tools, and outstanding service and support.  Learn more here.

    Act now to finish 2025 on a strong note:
    • Review your client list: Identify who needs a check-in before the year ends.
    • Spot the opportunities: Year-end financial planning opens doors—don't miss out.
    • Leverage our resources: From our e-apps to marketing materials and digital tools, we're here for you.

    So, grab your client list (and your pumpkin spiced latte) and make the most of this final quarter. Your Equitable team is here to support you all the way to 2026 — let's finish 2025 strong!


    1LIMRA, "Life Insurance Applications by Month," 2025.
  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. COVID-19 Group Benefits FAQ