CI Investments launches new pools

The investment objective of Signature Real Estate Pool is to provide attractive returns by investing primarily in a diversified portfolio of real estate investment trust units, as well as equity and equity-related securities issued by companies or entities in the real estate industry throughout the world, the company says.

The portfolio is managed by Signature Global Asset Management, a division of CI with 40 investment professionals overseeing more than $57 billion in assets. Signature is one of Canada’s largest investors in publicly traded securities in the real estate sector, CI says. The lead portfolio manager of Signature Real Estate Pool is Ryan Fitzgerald who is also co-manager of Signature High Income Fund, Signature Diversified Yield II Fund and other Signature funds.

“Real estate is a key asset class within Signature’s diversified income portfolios and the team has developed deep expertise in this sector in Canada and globally,” says Derek Green, CI president, in a statement. “Signature Real Estate Pool allows Canadians to make a focused investment in global real estate, with the benefit of Signature’s knowledge and experience.”

The investment objective of CI U.S. Income US$ Pool is to preserve capital, generate stable returns and give direct exposure to U.S. dollar-denominated securities by investing primarily in a diversified portfolio of income-generating assets domiciled in the United States. The pool pays a monthly distribution in U.S. dollars, CI says.

“The pool is suitable for investors seeking consistent income with low volatility in a true U.S. dollar mandate, and is modelled on CI’s successful Select Income Managed Corporate Class and CI Income Fund,” adds Green.

The portfolio is diversified across government bonds, investment-grade and high-yield corporate bonds, preferred shares, common shares and real estate investment trusts. CI Investment Consulting manages the pool’s asset allocation and CI portfolio managers are responsible for security selection.

CI also announced an enhanced choice of funds within the CI Private Investment Management (PIM) program. Another 68 funds, including 23 CI corporate class funds and 45 mutual fund trusts, are now available within Class EF, also known as Premium F. Class EF was introduced into PIM in November 2014 specifically for dealer-sponsored fee-based investment programs. Another 35 funds are now available in Premium F in T-Class, which allows for tax-deferred cash flow for non-registered accounts.

In addition, another 38 funds have been made available in PIM Class E, which has embedded fees, and another eight funds have been made available in Class O, which is a fee-based class. The number of T-Class options within Classes E and O has also been significantly expanded, CI says.

The PIM program is designed for affluent and high net worth investors that offers tiered pricing for households with larger asset levels. The program is available for a minimum investment of $100,000 with tiered pricing starting at household balances of $250,000.

“PIM is truly comprehensive, offering access to CI’s award-winning portfolio managers and a wide range of CI mandates, including managed solutions and our tax-efficient corporate class and T-Class funds,” says Green. “PIM’s high level of flexibility gives advisors and their clients exceptional choice in fee structures and portfolio construction.”

CI Investments is a subsidiary of Toronto-based CI Financial Corp. (TSX: CIX), an independent, Canadian-owned wealth management firm with $145.8 billion in assets as of July 31.