Lévis, Que.-based Desjardins Group is launching four mutual funds and one portfolio to provide more investment options that respond to an environment of market volatility, which includes a weak loonie and stagnant interest rates.
“The four new funds and the portfolio we are launching give advisors a wider range of options so they can better meet the needs of their members and clients who want more personalized investment solutions,” says Éric Landry, vice president of investment solutions with Desjardins’ wealth-management division, in a statement released on Monday.
“Given the market volatility we are seeing, the low Canadian dollar (C$) and stagnant interest rates, investors should take advantage of their advisor’s guidance to optimize their investment strategies so they can plan for the future,” he adds.
The new products include:
> Desjardins American Equity Growth Currency Neutral Fund, which invests in American companies with the C$, thereby minimizing the effects of exchange-rate fluctuations on investment returns.
> Desjardins IBrix Global Bond Fund, which seeks to increase income potential.
> Desjardins IBrix Low Volatility Emerging Markets Fund, which looks to minimize portfolio fluctuations while benefiting from the growth of companies in emerging economies.
> Desjardins Canadian Preferred Share Fund, which is designed to provide investors with dividend income to optimize net returns from the fixed-income portion of non-registered portfolios, while offering access to the preferred share market.
> Melodia 100% Equity Growth Portfolio, which offers exposure to Canadian, U.S. and international markets.
Photo copyright: maxkabokov/123RF