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1. Equitable receives FundGrade A awards for outstanding performance Equitable^® is thrilled to announce that several of our funds have received Fundata FundGrade A awards for their exceptional performance in the first half of 2025.
   
   The FundGrade rating system is a great tool for identifying top-performing funds. This recognition highlights our commitment to providing high-quality investment options to clients.
   
   And the winners are…
   The following funds from Equitable's lineup have received a FundGrade A rating this year:
   
   Pivotal Select:
   • Equitable Life NASDAQ 100 ESG Index Fund Select
   • Equitable Life Fidelity^® Climate Leadership Balanced Fund Select
   • Equitable Life Fidelity^® Global Innovators Fund Select
   
   Personal Investment Portfolio/Pivotal Solutions:
   • Equitable Life Invesco Global Bond Fund
   
   
   An enhanced fund performance page
   Equitable has also introduced several new features to our fund performance page to enhance user experience. These updates include:
   • Printable performance reports: Easily accessible and printable reports for detailed fund performance.
   • Equity and Fixed Income breakdowns: Detailed breakdowns by fund displayed on the Fund Details tab.
   • Fund Category display: Clear display of fund categories on the Fund Details tab.
   • Filter enhancements:
     • New “Risk Rating” filter.
     • New “U.S. Equity” filter.
     • Renamed “Domestic Equity” to “Canadian Equity”.
     • Moved “Index Funds” and “Portfolio Solutions” out of asset class filters into “Additional filters”.
   
   For more information on these funds and their performance, and to see the latest enhancements, visit our Fund Performance page.
   
   Questions? Contact your Director, Investment Sales.
   
   FundGrade A is used with permission from Fundata Canada Inc., all rights reserved.
   Date posted: June 10, 2025
2. A bright start to July: our Dividend Scale is now active!

   Effective July 1^st - just in time for summer conversations!

   Good news! The Equitable^® Board of Directors has approved continuing our current dividend scale for the period of July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.
   
   • The interest rate* we use to decide the dividend scale will stay at 6.40%.
   • Other factors used to decide the dividend scale will stay the same.
   • The interest rate for policies with dividends on deposit will stay at 3.50%.
   • The interest rate for most policy loans will stay at 6.50%. This applies to both new and existing policy loans, and automatic premium loans. It specifically applies to Equimax^® policies with a 9-digit policy number that starts with either "3" or "8". Older policies may have different loan rates as they are based on the prime interest rate.
   
   *The dividend scale interest rate (DSIR) is different from the participating account (PAR) rate of return. The DSIR smooths out the ups and downs of the participating account experience. The PAR rate of return is the return on the investments in the participating account over the calendar year.
   
   Need more information?
   • 2025 Advisor Dividend Scale Notice
   • 2025 Client Dividend Scale Notice
   • Dividend Information Page
   
   Did you miss our Spring Update & 2025 Dividend Scale Announcement?
   Watch it now:
   
     
3. Sharpen your skills with Equitable’s Path to Invest summer learning modules

   Want to stay ahead, bring more value to clients, and earn Continuing Education (CE) credits?

   Equitable^® now offers new online summer modules to help you grow your financial knowledge. These self-paced Path to Invest modules are available on our ON24 platform. You can learn on your own schedule and earn CE credits with ease.

   Whether you want to boost your investment skills or have better client conversations, these courses are here to support your growth.

   The first module, Index Investing, explores the basics of index investing, how it compares to active management, and how using indexes can help diversify client portfolios.

   The second module, Saving for a Home with Equitable, equips you with strategies and tools to guide clients through the homebuying journey, including insights on savings vehicles, intergenerational wealth transfers, and mortgage planning.

   Each course is approved by the Alberta Insurance Council and the Insurance Council of Manitoba. You will earn 1 CE credit for each course after passing the quiz.

   Start learning today! Visit our Learning Centre to begin. 
   
   If you have any questions, reach out to your Director, Investment Sales. When we work together, success is mutual.

   
   Continuing Education Credits
   To be eligible for CE credits, you must register individually, watch the webcast in full and complete a short quiz. These webcasts are available in English only. It is the advisor's responsibility to ensure Continuing Education credits being offered are accepted by the licensing body. Alberta Insurance Council (AIC) credits are valid in Yukon, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia. Insurance Council of Manitoba (ICM) credits are valid in Manitoba only.
   
   Date posted: July 17, 2025

4. Benefits and Key features
5. 5 great reasons to work with Equitable There are plenty of reasons to work with Equitable^®. We’ve rounded up the top 5 in our popular marketing piece 5 great reasons to make Equitable your first choice.
   
   1. We’re committed to our policyholders.
   At Equitable, our mutual status gives us the advantage of focusing exclusively on our policyholders and our commitments to them. We have a DBRS Morningstar rating of A (high) and a strong LICAT ratio. This means that we are well-positioned to continue meeting our commitments to our clients.
   
   2. We have a broad, competitive product shelf.
   We offer a diversified and competitive product portfolio, with some of the most competitive solutions on the market. Our broad range of insurance and savings products provide you with competitive, flexible solutions to meet clients’ financial needs.
   
   3. We make underwriting easy.
   Are you working on a large case? We have a specialized team of experts and dedicated underwriters to help you with larger and more complex cases.
   
   4. We offer regional wholesaler support.
   Our regional wholesalers are here to provide personalized sales support in the field, from coast-to-coast. They take the time to understand your business needs and help develop solutions.
   
   5. We have great online advisor tools.
   EquiNet^®, Equitable’s advisor site, is bilingual and mobile-friendly. It puts the tools and information you need right at your fingertips. Check out our EZcomplete^® online applications, administrative forms and processes, sales illustrations, marketing materials, and more.
   
   Contact your Equitable wholesaler today to learn more!
    
6. Earth Day: A simple way to talk about sustainable investing Earth Day is a great time to talk with clients about investing with purpose. This year’s theme—Our Power, Our Planet—highlights the impact of individual and collective choices, including how we invest.
   
   Many Canadians are interested in sustainable investing, which looks at environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors alongside long term returns. Clients want to understand how the power of their money can support positive change—without sacrificing performance. Sustainable investing can look at things like reducing carbon impact, supporting fair workplaces, and encouraging strong company leadership.
   
   Watch out for greenwashing
   Not all investments labeled “sustainable” are the same. Some products may use the term without real environmental efforts or strategies. This is known as greenwashing.
   That’s where advisors can add value. By understanding how funds are built and what they hold, you can help clients make informed choices they feel confident about.
   
   How Equitable can help
   Equitable^® offers sustainable investing fund options that include ESG considerations as part of a disciplined investment approach. Take this opportunity to review available options and fund details.
   
   You can also support sustainability through how you work with clients. Equitable’s paperless tools help reduce paper consumption and improve efficiency:
   •    Equitable Client Access^® for online account viewing
   •    EZtransact^® for fast, digital transactions
   •    EZcomplete^® for easy, paper free applications
   
   Take action
   Earth Day is a great time to:
   •    Start simple conversations about sustainable investing
   •    Share Equitable’s sustainable fund options with clients
   •    Promote paperless tools that are better for clients and the environment
   
   Small steps—done consistently—can make a meaningful difference for clients and the planet. If you have questions, speak with your Director, Investment Sales.
   
   Date posted: April 22, 2026
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. Equitable Life Group Benefits Bulletin – May 2021

   In this issue:

   • Graduating dependents losing coverage?*  
   • New Brunswick expands the use of biosimilars*
   • Proposed changes to federal recovery and EI benefits*
   • Removal of plan administrator access to update plan member banking*
   • BioScript recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies*
   *Indicates content that will be shared with your clients
    

   Graduating dependents losing coverage?

   Let plan members know about Coverage2go

   As we reach the end of spring, some of your clients’ plan members may have dependents who are graduating from university or college and will no longer be eligible for coverage under the benefits plan.
    
   Fortunately, we offer Coverage2go®. It allows individuals who are losing their group coverage to purchase personal month-to-month health and dental coverage that is affordable, reliable and works like their previous group benefits plan. They can choose the level of coverage and protection that suits their personal situation.
   
   There are no medical questions – they simply need to apply within 60 days of losing their health coverage under their group benefits plan.*
    
   Help your plan members and their dependents who are losing coverage by letting them know about Coverage2go. They can visit our website to learn more about Coverage2go and to get a quote.
    
   *Quebec residents are not eligible for Coverage2go

   New Brunswick expands the use of biosimilars

   The New Brunswick government recently announced that it will be implementing a biosimilar transition program.
    
   Patients using originator biologic drugs for diseases such as inflammatory arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes and psoriasis, will have until November 30, 2021 to switch to the biosimilar version of their medications in order to maintain coverage under the province’s public drug plans. This process will be completed in consultation with the patients’ physicians.
    
   Biosimilars are highly similar to the drugs they are based on and Health Canada considers them to be equally safe and effective for approved conditions.
   
   Equitable Life^® actively monitors and investigates all biosimilar policy changes and the ongoing evolution of biosimilar drugs entering Canada.  We will keep you informed of any impact on private drug plans and how we are responding.

   Proposed changes to federal recovery and EI benefits

   In its recent 2021 budget, the federal government proposed a variety of changes to its benefit programs.
   
   The proposed changes include providing up to 12 additional weeks of the Canada Recovery Benefit to a maximum of 50 weeks. The first 12 weeks of this benefit would be paid at $500 per week and the remaining eight weeks at $300 per week. 
   
   Multiple changes have also been proposed to make Employment Insurance (EI) more accessible to Canadians. The changes include: maintaining uniform access to EI benefits across all regions, supporting multiple job holders and those who switch jobs by ensuring that all insurable hours and employment count towards their eligibility, and simplifying many rules around EI to ensure Canadians can receive benefits sooner. It has also been proposed that the regular EI benefits be extended to no later than November 20, 2021, if needed.
   
   We are analyzing the impact these changes may have to disability benefits. We will provide more details later in the year. 

   Removal of plan administrator access to update plan member banking

   In early June, plan administrators will no longer be able to update banking information for their plan members on EquitableHealth.ca after their initial enrolment. This change has been made to allow plan members to have full control over where they want their claim payments deposited.

   Plan members can update their banking information online through their plan member web portal or through the EZClaim mobile app. They will continue to be notified via email if and when they make any changes.

   BioScript Solutions recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies

   Congratulations to our partner, BioScript Solutions, for being recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies of 2021 by Deloitte.
    
   We have partnered with BioScript since 2016 for our Specialty Drug Preferred Pharmacy Network (PPN). This partnership offers cost savings while providing comprehensive, best-in-class patient care.
    
   BioScript is one of Canada’s leading specialty pharmacies and recently celebrated its 20^th anniversary.
    
9. [pdf] Now it’s even easier to grow your savings online!
10. [pdf] Dialogue Virtual Healthcare Overview