Investment and Retirement

On the radar: A SSQ GIF that is making its mark

Fund: SSQ OAM BOND GIF

Manager: Optimum Asset Management inc.

Benchmark: FTSE TMX Canada Universe

Fund category (CIFSC): Canadian Fixed Income

This fund enhances portfolio diversification with bonds, which have historically exhibited a negative to slightly positive correlation with stocks. It stands out thanks to a proven methodology of active duration management.

The fund shows returns higher than the median of its CIFSC category for periods of 3 months to 5 years.

SSQ OAM Bond GIF – Quartiles as at February 29, 2016

	3 months	1 year	2 years	3 years	4 years	5 years
SSQ OAM Bond GIF	1	1	1	1	1	2

Source: Morningstar - Advisor Workstation, segregated funds universe only.

This fund is part of the asset mix of the Strategy portfolio funds and its fundamental investment objective is to generate regular income and moderate medium– and long-term capital growth.

WHY INVEST IN THIS FUND?

To benefit from the portfolio manager’s conviction; he doesn't hesitate to deviate from the benchmark to add value.
To enhance diversification with bonds, which have exhibited a negative to slightly positive correlation with stocks. Combining bonds with stocks improves portfolio diversification.
To reduce portfolio volatility. Bond prices, particularly investment grade bonds, are generally less volatile than most asset classes.

For more information about SSQ OAM Bond GIF, click here.

Any amount that is allocated to a segregated fund is invested at the risk of the contractholder and may increase or decrease in value. Quartile rankings, expressed as 1, 2, 3 or 4, shows comparisons of the fund's performance relative to other funds in its category, considering the total number of eligible funds for the periods indicated above.

The returns shown do not take into account sales, redemption, distribution or other optional charges that would have reduced returns. Returns are annualized, except for periods of less than one year. Past returns are not a reliable indicator of future performance. This method of calculating returns is in compliance with the industry standards established by the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association. For more information about this calculation method, please contact SSQ Client Services at 1-800-320-4887.