Q4 2025 Fund Commentary

Commentary and opinions are provided by Mackenzie Investments.

Market commentary

Canada’s economy showed signs of strain in the fourth quarter as U.S. tariffs and weakening trade flows continued to pressure manufacturing and export?oriented sectors. Business confidence softened, and labour?market momentum faded, although household spending remained stable heading into year?end.

The Bank of Canada held its policy rate at 2.25% in December following its 25-basis-point rate cut in October, citing moderating inflation and persistent economic uncertainty. Canada’s unemployment rate rose to 6.8% in December, as labour?force growth outpaced hiring and trade?sensitive industries showed renewed weakness.

The Canadian fixed income market delivered modest gains in the fourth quarter given easing inflation and a stable policy stance towards the end of the quarter. The yield on the 10-year Government of Canada (GoC) bond ended December at 3.43%, up from 3.18% at the beginning of the quarter. Government bond prices moved lower and underperformed corporate bonds, which gained. High?yield bonds also rose, supported by the late?year rally in equities and investor demand for carry in a lower?rate environment.

Performance

Relative exposure to Enbridge Inc. (5.375%, 2077/09/27) contributed to the Fund’s performance as corporate bond spreads narrowed. Enbridge remains a core Fund holding given its predictable cash flows. Despite the subordinated nature of Enbridge’s debt security, the sub-advisor sees asset coverage and ample equity cushion. A holding in GoC (2.75%, 2055/12/01) bonds detracted from performance as longer-term yields increased.

At a sector level, exposure to corporate bonds contributed to the Fund’s performance. Exposure to government bonds detracted from the Fund’s performance.

Portfolio activity

A holding in Sunoco LP (4.375%, 2029/03/26) was added to the Fund to replace a holding in Parkland Corp. Sunoco is one of the largest independent fuel distributors in the Americas and a leading operator of energy infrastructure. The investment reflects the sub-advisor’s positive outlook for the credit following Sunoco’s announced acquisition of Parkland in a transaction valued at approximately US$9.1 billion. The Fund’s holding in Parkland (4.375%, 2029/03/26) was sold given the acquisition.

The Fund’s holding in Maya SAS (7.0%, 2032/04/15) was increased as the company benefits from a diversified service offering and market share growth. The sub-advisor has a positive view of the credit, supported by stable recurring revenues, improving credit metrics and competitive positioning. A holding in Cenovus Energy Inc. (3.5%, 2028/02/07) was reduced to help Fund rebalancing.