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1. EAMG Market Commentary July 2024
   Rates & Credit – In Q2 2024, U.S. inflation and economic growth data was mixed, leading to moderately higher interest rates in the U.S. Meanwhile, in Canada, long-end interest rates were little changed during the quarter, but short-term interest rates fell. That was due to the weaker economic outlook, as well as the Bank of Canada’s decision to reduce its overnight interest rate in June, with anticipation of further monetary policy easing to come. Canadian corporate bonds returned 1.1%, outperforming the 0.8% return of government bonds as well as the 0.9% return for the overall FTSE Canada Universe Bond index. Shorter-dated bonds outperformed longer-dated bonds.  Within corporate bonds, lower-rated BBBs outperformed higher-rated A bonds, while industries that have shorter-dated debt (e.g. real estate and financials) outperformed those that tend to have longer-dated debt (e.g. communications and infrastructure).
   
   Equity Overview – Against the backdrop of volatile inflation data and a lack of indication from the Federal Reserve that it was prepared to start cutting interest rates yet, U.S. equity markets decoupled from other regions. Crowding into AI-focused, mega-cap names accelerated in Q2. More specifically, investors defaulted toward the Magnificent 7 to navigate the current period, overlooking broadening earnings breadth and less expensive valuations from the remaining S&P 493. Outside the U.S., equity returns were generally mundane in dollar terms. That said, emerging markets proved to be a bright spot for investors seeking value, as the rebound in heavily discounted Chinese equities helped push frontier markets higher.
   
   U.S. Fundamentals – Corporate earnings continued to surpass expectations last quarter with stable operating margins helping businesses report better-than-expected bottom line results. Investors remain focused on the ability of companies to sustain debt levels ahead of renewing debt obligations, rewarding businesses with a strong ability to generate stable cash flows. Moreover, while prior quarters have witnessed earnings growth that was largely driven by highly profitable mega-cap technology stocks, U.S. markets are witnessing a broadening trend in earnings strength, with previously stunted segments of the market recovering. Our work shows that members of the Russell 1000 index, excluding the Magnificent 7, posted a median earnings growth of about 6% last quarter, with nearly 60% of companies increasing earnings versus the year prior. Furthermore, we observed an increase in the number of major companies that expect improving financial performance to approximately 27%, suggesting that the recovery in earnings breadth may persist.
   
   U.S. Quant Factors – As mentioned, concentration in the equity market drove a surge in valuations as investors continued to chase specific mega-cap technology stocks. In fact, within the Russell 1000 growth factor – which screens for companies whose earnings are expected to grow at an above-average rate relative to the market – the Magnificent 7 totaled nearly 55% of the entire index by quarter-end. In addition, the Nasdaq 100 – which is generally viewed as a technology-biased index – saw the weight of the Magnificent 7 rise to almost 43% of the entire index by the end of the quarter. Furthermore, the equal-weighted S&P 500 underperformed the cap-weighted index by nearly 7% last quarter, bringing the year-to-date divergence to about 10%. With concentration accelerating, the cap-weighted index outperformance has soared past Covid-era levels, a period that saw investors rapidly crowd into profitable technology names due to panic and economic uncertainty. We remain cautious of a severely crowded market that trades near all-time highs as strong performance from 5-7 names distorts the overall stature of market conditions.
   
   Canadian Fundamentals – Although Canadian companies exceeded bleak forecasts, earnings continue to contract on a year-over-year basis. Furthermore, earnings revisions have grinded lower with easing monetary conditions unable to offset concerns of a slowing economic environment. We note the sharp contrast versus the U.S. as the bifurcation of earnings performance widens. The CRB Raw Industrials Index, a measure of price changes of basic commodities, broke out of recent ranges as metals rallied higher despite a stronger U.S. dollar and elevated interest rates. The mining industry benefited from a sustained elevation in prices, helping the materials sector outperform over the quarter. Returns from the heavily-weighted Canadian banks were constrained last quarter with company-specific drivers – including regulatory challenges from TD, and underwhelming U.S. results from BMO – limiting performance. More broadly, the banks continue to build prudent credit provisions to mitigate uncertain economic forecasts and remain well capitalized.
   
   Canadian Quant Factors – With investors remaining attentive to businesses’ ability to create value relative to financing costs, we see value in high quality, dividend-paying companies with strong earnings sustainability and a healthy degree of leverage. Based on our work, investors of the Canadian banks appear well compensated, with the current premium between value creation and current yield remaining compressed. In our opinion, the market has modest expectations regarding prospects for value generation from the banks and, therefore, we believe the industry stands to benefit if the premium reverts closer to historical norms. We also continue to see sources of quality dividend opportunities within certain areas of the energy sector. More specifically, we believe companies that have taken steps to improve their balance sheets through deleveraging efforts, and with improved operating leverage, offer attractive prospects given their stable and high-yielding composition.
   
   Views From the Frontline
   
   Rates – During the first half of the second quarter, interest rates in both Canada and the U.S. increased, continuing the upward momentum from Q1. Higher-than-expected inflation data in the U.S. along with mixed economic growth data caused investors to push out expectations for when the U.S. Federal Reserve would start lowering its interest rate. This trend shifted in the second half of Q2, as positive economic momentum slowed in the U.S. economy and inflation data began to soften.  Interest rates in Canada declined more rapidly than in the U.S. due to more benign inflation, a weaker job market, and economic growth remaining below population growth. This economic weakening provided the confidence required for the Bank of Canada to cut rates by 25 basis points in June to 4.75%.  The Bank also signaled that if inflation continues to ease and the Bank’s confidence grows that inflation would continue to trend toward its 2% inflation target, it is reasonable to expect further cuts. The second quarter marked a pivotal point for the global policy easing cycle. Sweden, Canada, and the European Central Bank all began lowering their policy rates, and Switzerland made a second rate cut, following one in Q1.  The market continues to speculate on the timing of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s first rate cut.  Interest rate cut expectations are largely unchanged in Canada since last quarter, with a total of three rate cuts expected throughout 2024. Expectations for the rate cuts by the U.S. Federal Reserve declined slightly, however, to two cuts in 2024.
   
   Credit – The risk premium for corporate bonds (versus government bonds) was largely flat over the quarter, with spreads approaching the tight post-pandemic levels experienced in 2021.  Corporate bond supply continues to be very robust, with $41bn in new issuance.  Year-to-date, corporate issuance has set a new record, with an impressive $80bn in issuance.  On 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 trade-off as being more favourable.
   
   Equity – On the backdrop of a heavily concentrated U.S. market rally, we remain cautious of the distortion to market returns from high-flying technology stocks. As a result, we continue to favour a combination of the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 for our broad U.S. market exposure. The Dow provides a more diversified exposure to 30 prominent large-cap companies and less concentration in technology relative to the S&P. Broadening earnings strength presents an opportunity for previously out-of-favour names to “catch-up”. In our view, companies outside the Magnificent 7 that have demonstrated robust earnings growth, strong cash flow generation, along with decreased debt loads, are well-positioned to benefit from internal market rotations. As such, we gain exposure to these companies through the quality factor – companies with higher return-on-equity, strong operating performance, and healthy leverage levels – and the dividend growth factor – businesses with a lengthy and established history of increasing dividends.
   
   In Canada, we remain attentive to how efficiently corporations are generating profits relative to financing costs. Looking forward, we continue to monitor the ability of businesses to generate profits given a decline in capital spending. More specifically, we are focused on businesses’ ability to grow and sustain dividends amid the lag between easing monetary conditions and consumption. Due to this, we observe value in higher yielding companies that are higher on the spectrum of quality. Geographically, we maintain our overweight U.S. exposure, underpinned by encouraging U.S. inflation data trends, broadening corporate earnings growth, and normalizing consumption. In addition, sluggish Chinese data and the lack of positive earnings revisions from EAFE tilt the risk-adjusted return profile in favour of the U.S. Lastly, as a Canadian investor, fluctuations in the Loonie’s relative value versus other major currencies continues to present tactical trading opportunities within our investment mandate.
   
   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. An Exciting Fund Lineup Offered with Equitable Generations Equitable Generations™ is a Universal Life product that offers investment options that resonate with today’s 21^st century client while reducing every fee possible. It also reduces the cost of insurance to help clients maximize their opportunity to purchase coverage and build tax-advantaged wealth.
   
   Fund Features of Equitable Generations:
   
   ● 34 fund options, including 18 new investment options, tracking funds managed by Fidelity™, Dynamic™, Invesco™ and more.
   ● 3 sustainable investment “ESG” (Environmental, Social & Governance) options – because today’s buyer cares as much about impact as they do about returns.
   ● Target date funds that auto-rebalance over time so that as a client approaches retirement, the fund adjusts its risk automatically.
   
   Learn more about our new funds:
   
   ● American Equity Index (ESG)
   ● Canadian Equity Index (ESG)
   ● Special Situations fund (Fidelity)
   ● Sustainable Equity, Balanced, and Bond Funds (Fidelity)
   ● Target Date funds (Fidelity)
   ● Details on funds available
   ● Get all your ESG questions answered with Margaret Dorn, S&P
   
   
3. Policy contract changes for residents of Quebec Starting June 1, 2023, there will be new language rules for any “contracts of adhesion”, including insurance policy contracts, in Quebec. These changes are part of Bill 96, which is about respecting French as the official and common language of Quebec.
   
   At Equitable Life, we have made some changes to our contract processes to support this new requirement.
   Starting after May 23, 2023, clients who live in Quebec will always get a copy of their insurance policy contract in French, regardless of language preference.
   - We will only send the English copy to the policy owner if they specifically ask for it. In that case, we would also send a French copy.
   - For clients who request a copy of their policy contract in French, there is no change. We pride ourselves in respecting the needs of our clients.
   
   If you want to learn more about these language changes, visit Assemblee nationale du Quebec - Bill 96. You may also contact your wholesaler.
4. Do you have clients considering a First Home Savings Account in 2024?

   We want to help clients save money for their first home. A First Home Savings Account (FHSA) is a registered plan allowing prospective first-time homebuyers to save for their first home tax-free up to $8,000 a year or a lifetime contribution limit of $40,000.

   With the Equitable^® FHSA, they can put their money to work right away. Available on Pivotal Select™ Investment Class (75/75) and Pivotal Select Estate Class (75/100) and Daily/Guaranteed Interest Account (DIA/GIA), Equitable offers clients an array of investment products to suit their individual needs and risk tolerance.

   Do not wait. Get clients started today!

   To open a FHSA or DIA/GIA for clients, log in to EZcomplete^®, our highly rated online application tool. It is easy to use, convenient, and fast.  

   For more information on FHSA or DIA/GIA, including a FAQ and client materials, visit EquiNet^® or contact your Director, Investment Sales.   
   
   Date posted: October 16, 2024

5. There is still time to set up a First Home Savings Account in 2024

   A First Home Savings Account (FHSA) allows prospective first-time homebuyers to save for their first home. The plan is tax-free and allows annual contributions up to$8,000 a year or a lifetime contribution limit of $40,000. If you have a client who wants to buy a first home, start them on their path to home ownership with a FHSA.

   With Equitable’s FHSA or Daily/Guaranteed Interest Account (DIA/GIA), they can put their money to work right away. Available on Pivotal Select™ Investment Class(75/75) and Pivotal Select Estate Class (75/100) and Daily/Guaranteed Interest Account (DIA/GIA), Equitable offers clients an array of investment products to suit their individual needs and risk tolerance.

   Do not wait. Get clients started today!

   For more information on FHSA or DIA/GIA, including a FAQ and client materials, visit EquiNet^® or contact your Director, Investment Sales.   
   
   Date posted: November 13, 2024

6. Easier than ever with Equitable and EZtransact Equitable^® keeps improving our digital self-serve tool, EZtransact^®. Our latest enhancements make it easier than ever to do business with us.
   
   What's new?
   Dollar cost averaging transaction
   • Advisors can now submit new dollar cost averaging requests through the Fund Switch transaction in EZtransact. A new recurring switch type is available.
   • When submitting a new request, you'll need to enter the amount, frequency, date of transfers, and the funds involved.
   • If a client has an active request, you can change the amount, frequency, date, and funds.
   • After you submit the request, the client will get an email to sign. Once they e-sign, the request goes directly to Equitable.
   
   Other recent enhancements include:
   • Segregated fund withdrawals and fund transfers
   • New dashboard for client search, transaction management enhancements and signing process improvements
   See what advisors are saying about our updates and advance your sales process with EZtransact. If you have questions, contact your Director, Investment Sales.
   
   Date posted: December 11, 2024
7. [pdf] Three steps to packaging large cases for success
8. Instructions
9. Large insurance case? Expert help starts here.

   Ask our Experts Episode 3

   At Equitable, we’re committed to the large case market. Our dedicated team of experts have a wealth of knowledge and experience. They’re here to support you and to help get your large case from application through to policy placement. 
   
   Today, we are thrilled to share the third episode of Ask our Experts featuring Mark Warywoda, Public Investments VP. Watch it now! 
   
   Mark shares his thoughts on:
   • The benefits of Equitable’s PAR fund
   • The key advantages of mutuality
   • The golden rule of investing: staying focussed on the long term.
   
   In case you haven’t seen it…
   • Watch Ask our Experts Episode 1 with Cindy Shirley, Chief Underwriter and Claims Risk Management. 
   • Watch Ask our Experts Episode 2 with Kevin Till, AVP of Individual Life Pricing. 
   
   
   
   
   
   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. 
10. Critical Illness Path to Success Program Instructions