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Portfolio Manager’s March Comment for February Results

The S&P/TSX Total Return Index expanded by 4.4% in February and the S&P 500 grew by 2.8% while the MSCI ACWI ex. USA increased by 2.0%. At February end, the 12-month S&P/TSX Total Return Index rose 14.7% behind the S&P500 gain of 31.3% and higher than the MSCI ACWI ex. USA who nevertheless rose by 26.7%. The markets grew on the back of strong company results.

In February, NQICAT increased by 3% while it climbed by 12.9% on an annual basis.

The best TSX sector for the month of February was Energy up 22.4%, followed by Consumer Discretionary up 8.7%, and Financials up 6.7%. At the opposite, the worst performing sectors were Utilities down 5.7%, Material down 4.5% and Consumer Staples down 0.9%.

The best performers in February were Equitable Group up 31.1%, CCL Industries up 14.2% and National Bank up 12.5% due to impressive results.

On the other hand, the weakest contributors were Kirkland Lake Gold down 15.3% as gold prices fell 6.1% during the month. Hydro one was down 8.8% due to rising long-term interest rate and Metro was down 4.3% as investors continue to focus on cyclical stocks and expect lower revenue growth.

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