What’s new from fund manufacturers

Investment Executive regularly lists notable developments in Canada’s investment product landscape. Here are some newly released funds.

• TD Asset Management Inc. has released an actively managed fixed income ESG fund. The TD North American Sustainability Bond Fund, launched on March 9, invests mainly in North American corporate bonds with “strong sustainability characteristics” or that demonstrate “positive contributions to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” TDAM said in a release. Management fees are 1.10% for the Advisor Series and 0.6% for Series F.
• Connor, Clark & Lunn Funds Inc. has launched a new fund, with NS Partners Ltd. as portfolio manager, that invests mainly in non-North American stocks. The NS Partners International Equity Focus Fund is based on the NS Partners International Equity Focus portfolio, previously available only to institutional and internal investors. “For investors allocated to large-cap global equity portfolios, there is a compelling case to make a stand-alone allocation to international equities, given the valuation and concentration issues in the large-cap U.S. equity market, and the headwind of a strong U.S. dollar,” CC&L Funds president and CEO Tim Elliott said in a release. Management fees are 1.9% for Series A and 0.9% for Series F. The risk rating is low to medium.
• CIBC Asset Management Inc.’s International Equity Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) (TSX: CIEH), which tracks the Morningstar Developed Markets ex-North America Target Market exposure Hedged CAD Index, started trading on Feb. 27. The new ETF builds on the core CIBC index ETFs launched earlier this year.
• ETF versions of eight existing RBC Global Asset Management Inc. mutual funds started trading on March 8.
  • The RBC Canadian Equity Income Fund — ETF Series (NEO: RCEI) invests in dividend-paying Canadian preferred and common shares, real estate investment trusts and other assets. The management fee is 0.60% and the risk rating is medium.
  • The RBC North American Value Fund — ETF Series (NEO: RNAV) invests in Canadian and U.S. stocks trading below their true value. The management fee is 0.60% and the risk rating is low to medium.
  • The RBC North American Growth Fund — ETF Series (NEO: RNAG) invests in Canadian and U.S. stocks offering above-average growth prospects. The management fee is 0.60% and the risk rating is medium.
  • The RBC International Equity Fund — ETF Series (NEO: RINT) gives clients exposure to non-North American stocks. The management fee is 0.75% and the risk rating is medium.
  • The RBC Emerging Markets Dividend Fund — ETF Series (NEO: REMD) invests mainly in emerging markets with above-average dividend yields. The management fee is 0.85% and the risk rating is medium to high.
  • The RBC Global Energy Fund (NEO: RENG) invests in stocks in companies involved directly or indirectly in energy. The management fee is 0.75% and the risk rating is high.