iProfile™ Private Discretionary Portfolio – Global Mid-Neutral Balanced
Portfolio commentary Q1 2025
Highlights
① The portfolio rose over the period, with positive contributions from all component iProfile pools, except from the iProfile U.S. Equity Private Pool.
② Tariffs cast shadow over consumer confidence.
③ Bank of Canada and U.S. Federal Reserve monetary policies diverge.
Portfolio returns: Q1 2025
| Total Return | 1M | 3M | YTD | 1YR | 3YR | 5YR | 10YR | Since Inc. (March 15, 2021) |
iProfile Private Discretionary – Global Mid-Neutral Balanced Series I |
-1.36 |
1.25 |
1.25 |
9.74 |
6.63 |
5.60 |
Portfolio overview
The iProfile™ Discretionary Portfolio – Global Mid-Neutral Balanced rose over the period (1.3%). The portfolio benefited most from gains in the iProfile Fixed Income Private Pool (1.4%), in part because it is the largest component iProfile pool in the portfolio. Bonds in Canada and the U.S. were higher as yields fell, more than offsetting declines in some international bonds. Several of the component equity pools had even stronger performances, especially the iProfile International Equity Private Pool (7.9%) and the iProfile Low Volatility Private Pool (5.2%), despite tariff-related uncertainties. The iProfile U.S. Equity Private Pool was the only constituent pool to lose ground (-4.9%), as the tariff drama pushed economic policy uncertainty to its highest level in several years and, in the eyes of many forecasters, significantly increased the risk of a recession.
The iProfile Fixed Income Private Pool is the largest component iProfile pool in the portfolio and therefore, despite its modest advance, it contributed more than half of the portfolio’s total return. The pool slightly underperformed its global fixed income peer group, mainly due to a decline in the real property segment of the pool. The segments focused on more typical fixed income securities such as government and corporate bonds all gained ground. The Canadian bond portion, managed by Mackenzie Investments, was the top performer. However, it slightly underperformed the FTSE Canada Universe Bond Index Total Return, in part because of exposure to high-yield corporate bonds, which underperformed.
The iProfile International Equity Private Pool was the top contributing equity component and slightly outperformed the MSCI EAFE Index Total Return (Net) $ CAD. European equities significantly outperformed North American markets. Despite exposure to tariff-related uncertainties like other global markets, European economic data generally exceeded expectations during the period. Recent political changes in Europe also led to more aggressive fiscal policies that support economic growth. Most significant was the German election that delivered a market-friendly, pro-growth government. The largest value-oriented segment of the pool, managed by Wellington Investments, was its top performer, reflecting the broad outperformance of value stocks versus growth stocks in international markets.
The iProfile Low Volatility Private Pool also had a strong quarter, as low-volatility equity indices outperformed their non-low-volatility counterparts in most regions. This was especially true in the U.S., which comprises almost 60% of the low-volatility pool. The MSCI USA Minimum Volatility Index climbed over 5% while the S&P 500 Index fell almost 5%, reflecting a sharp rotation away from high-growth stocks, especially the mega-capitalization technology and Internet stocks that dominated U.S. equity performance last year.
The iProfile U.S. Equity Private Pool fell and underperformed the S&P 500, mainly due to its exposure to the information technology sector, which comprises more than one quarter of the pool and accounted for more than 80% of its negative return, despite the pool having an underweight exposure to the sector. Only the large-cap value segments of the pool advanced.
Market overview: increased uncertainty in U.S. markets favoured international equities
Investor sentiment turned cautious in the first quarter of 2025, driven by heightened market uncertainty following significant shifts in U.S. trade policy under President Trump. Abrupt tariff changes targeting major trade partners — notably Canada, Mexico and China — increased volatility and pressured equity market performance, particularly affecting the S&P 500 Index. In contrast, European markets outperformed significantly, reflecting investors' preference for Europe's attractive valuations and perceived stronger growth potential.
Despite trade-related headwinds, global manufacturing activity showed resilience, signalling potential earnings growth ahead, provided trade tensions stabilize. Central banks diverged in response: the Bank of Canada proactively lowered its overnight rate to 2.75% to bolster growth amid trade uncertainties, while the U.S. Federal Reserve maintained its rate at 4.5%, viewing tariff-related inflation impacts as temporary.
Market outlook: U.S. tariff concerns may temper earning expectations
Looking ahead, we remain optimistic, despite recent market volatility and lingering uncertainties. While U.S. equities have faced challenges, including a pullback from February highs and sensitivity to tariff concerns, other regions, such as Canada, Europe and emerging markets, offer compelling opportunities. These regions have shown resilience, supported by stronger fundamentals and more attractive valuations compared to U.S. markets. As long as unemployment remains low, consumption is expected to continue at a steady pace, supporting economic growth. Despite short-term turbulence, global opportunities continue to emerge, and maintaining a long-term perspective will be key to navigating this market volatility.
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Commissions, fees and expenses may be associated with mutual fund investments and the use of iProfileTM Managed Asset Program. Read the prospectus and speak to an IG Advisor before investing. The rate of return is the historical annual compounded total return as of March 31, 2025, including changes in value and reinvestment of all dividends or distributions. It does not take into account sales, redemption, distribution, optional charges or income taxes payable by any security holder that would have reduced returns. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated. An asset allocation service, iProfile is a managed asset program for clients with a minimum of $250,000 invested in the iProfile program. Mutual funds and investment products and services are offered through Investors Group Financial Services Inc. (in Québec, a Financial Services firm). Any additional investment products and brokerage services are offered through Investors Group Securities Inc. (in Québec, a firm in Financial Planning). Investors Group Securities Inc. is a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund.
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