iProfile™ Enhanced Monthly Income Portfolio – Canadian Fixed Income Balanced Series F

Q4 commentary 2025

Highlights

① The portfolio gained in Q4 2025, driven by broad-based equity strength.

② The Canadian Dividend and Income Equity Pool was the largest contributor, led by financials and stock selection.

③ Bond performance detracted from overall performance. 

Portfolio returns: Q4 2025

Total Return1M3MYTD1YR3YR5YR10YRSince Inc. (October 30, 2023)

Canadian Fixed Income Balanced Series F

-0.88

0.37

7.07

7.07

   

11.45

Quartile rankings

4

3

2

2

    

Portfolio Overview

Global markets delivered positive returns in Q4 2025, as easing inflation and stable financial conditions, coupled with broadly supportive corporate results, helped maintain investors’ risk-on sentiment. Equity performance was positive across most regions, with a few exceptions, such as China, which lagged amid ongoing economic and policy challenges. Canadian equities outperformed U.S. markets, supported by a strong performance in cyclical sectors, including materials, financials and consumer discretionary, reflecting continued global risk appetite. The Canadian dollar strengthened against major currencies, resulting in lower unhedged returns for Canadian investors. Lower-priced, value-oriented companies outperformed high-growth companies across global and North American markets. In commodities, gold and silver performed exceptionally well amid lingering macroeconomic and geopolitical risks and strong investor demand, while oil prices declined on concerns over excess supply. In fixed income, U.S. bond markets delivered modest gains, supported by income and stable credit conditions, while Canadian bond returns faced modest price pressure, as yields rose earlier in the period.

The iProfile™ Enhanced Monthly Income Portfolio – Canadian Fixed Income Balanced, Series F, posted a positive return for the quarter, with all underlying funds producing gains except the Mackenzie - IG Canadian Bond Pool.

The iProfile Canadian Dividend and Income Equity Private Pool, with an allocation of 13%, was the highest contributor. The fund posted a positive return, though it underperformed its benchmark. Overall, the financial sector contributed the most to the return. Strong stock selection in the industrials and health care sectors supported performance. Stock selection and an underweight to the materials sector was a major detractor to relative performance versus the benchmark.

The iProfile International Equity Private Pool, with an allocation of 7%, was another positive contributor, boosted by returns from financials, information technology and health care sectors.

With an allocation of 11%, the iProfile U.S. Equity Private Pool was the next positive contributor in the portfolio. The fund achieved a positive return and benefited from stock selection in consumer discretionary and materials. Stock selection in information technology detracted from its relative performance.

The Mackenzie - IG Canadian Bond Pool, the heaviest weighted fund in the portfolio at 65%, was the only detractor, though it outperformed its benchmark. Government bond selection and an overweight to corporate bonds bolstered relative performance.

Market overview: global growth strengthened, inflation eased, policy supportive

Markets ended the fourth quarter of 2025 on a strong note, capping a year defined by resilience and broad-based gains. Equities led performance, as investors looked beyond policy noise and focused on improving fundamentals. Global markets advanced, supported by steady corporate earnings, easing inflation pressures and a clear shift toward lower interest rates. Canada outperformed most developed peers, driven by strength in materials and financials, while European and Asian markets rebounded on firmer trade activity and renewed investor confidence. In the U.S., equity performance remained positive, led by technology and communication services, with improving breadth across sectors signalling a healthier market foundation.

Fixed income delivered modest but positive returns, as central banks continued to ease policy. Government yields declined on the short end while longer maturities remained stable, allowing coupon income to drive returns. Credit conditions stayed firm, underscoring the strength of corporate balance sheets entering 2026.

Compared to 12 months ago, the S&P/TSX Composite has now gained 28.2%; the S&P 500 16.4%; and the MSCI EAFE 27.9%.

Market outlook: Positive on equities and diversified globally

Our outlook for equities in 2026 remains positive, supported by strong corporate earnings and a resilient U.S. economy. However, we expect higher volatility than in 2025, as the second year of a U.S. presidential term has historically been more volatile. Within equities, we have increased our allocation to Canadian stocks, supported by resilient economic data and upward earnings revisions. We continue to find attractive valuations in Japan and EAFE and maintain a neutral view for the U.S.

In fixed income, we remain neutral on duration, as markets are already pricing in roughly two rate cuts for 2026, which we view as fair. We are also monitoring market reactions ahead of the announcement of the next U.S. Federal Reserve Chair.

In currencies, our long-term view is for the U.S. dollar to depreciate against major currencies, including the euro and Japanese yen.

To discuss your investment strategy, speak to your IG Advisor.