Fund Category Definition

Funds in the Alternative Equity Focused category employ alternative strategies such as short selling or other forms of leverage. Alternative Mutual Funds that meet the requirements of NI 81-102, and traditional hedge funds offered by offering memorandum are categorized using the same guidelines. The underlying securities should be primarily equities such that at least 50% of the portfolio is invested in equities. Funds in this category may use speculative and/or hedging strategies. Funds that do not issue a simplified prospectus will not be ranked with the Alternative Mutual Funds in this category.

Funds in the Alternative Credit Focused category employ alternative strategies such as short selling or other forms of leverage. Alternative Mutual Funds that meet the requirements of NI 81-102, and traditional hedge funds offered by offering memorandum are categorized using the same guidelines. The underlying securities should be primarily fixed income such that at least 50% of the portfolio is invested in fixed income or credit related products. Funds in this category may use speculative and/or hedging strategies. Funds that do not issue a simplified prospectus will not be ranked with the Alternative Mutual Funds in this category.

Funds in the Alternative Multi-Strategy category employ alternative strategies such as short selling or other forms of leverage. Alternative Mutual Funds that meet the requirements of NI 81-102, and traditional hedge funds offered by offering memorandum are categorized using the same guidelines. Funds in this category must have a stated mandate to use any, or a combination, of the alternative strategies including strategies that can be found in the other alternative categories. Funds that do not issue a prospectus will not be ranked with the Alternative Mutual Funds in this category.

Funds in the Alternative Market Neutral category employ alternative strategies such as short selling or other forms of leverage. Alternative Mutual Funds that meet the requirements of NI 81-102, and traditional hedge funds offered by offering memorandum are categorized using the same guidelines. Funds in this category aim to reduce market exposure by pairing long and short positions. These funds generally aim to have low correlation and/or low beta to relative markets. Funds that do not issue a simplified prospectus will not be ranked with the Alternative Mutual Funds in this category.

Funds in the Alternative Private Equity category have portfolio holdings comprised primarily of equity holdings that are not listed on a public exchange. This can include private equity holdings that are global in nature or are concentrated on a specific region or sector. Funds in this category may also aim to gain exposure to private equity through investment in other private equity funds or through derivatives.

Funds in the Alternative Private Debt category have portfolio holdings comprised primarily of private credit investments. This can include private debt holdings that are global in nature or are concentrated on a specific region or sector. Funds in this category may also aim to gain exposure to private debt through investment in other private debt funds or through derivatives.

Funds in the Alternative Other category have a unique strategy that does not fit in to any other alternative category. Alternative Mutual Funds that meet the requirements of NI 81-102, and traditional hedge funds offered by offering memorandum are categorized using the same guidelines. Funds in this category will not be ranked.

Funds assigned to the Canadian Money Market category must be designated as Money Market funds in accordance with National Instrument 81-102 and maintain a minimum weighting of 95% in Canadian dollar-denominated investments.

Funds assigned to the U.S. Money Market category must be designated as Money Market funds in accordance with National Instrument 81-102 and maintain a minimum weighting of 95% in U.S. dollar-denominated investments.

Funds in the Canadian Short Term Fixed Income category must invest at least 90% of their fixed income holdings in fixed-income securities denominated in Canadian dollars with an average duration of less than 3.5 years. In addition, these funds must invest primarily in investment-grade fixed-income securities, such that the average credit quality of the portfolio as a whole is investment grade (BBB or equivalent rating or higher) and not more than 40% of the portfolio’s holdings are invested in high yield fixed income securities. For purposes of the category definition, up to 30% of a Fund’s assets may be held in Foreign Fixed Income products which will be treated as Canadian content provided that the currency exposure on those holdings is hedged into Canadian dollars.

Funds in the Canadian Fixed Income category must invest at least 90% of their fixed income holdings in Canadian dollars with an average duration greater than 3.5 years and less than 9.0 years. In addition, these funds must invest primarily in investment-grade fixed-income securities, such that the average credit quality of the portfolio as a whole is investment grade (BBB or equivalent rating or higher) and not more than 40% of the portfolio’s holdings are invested in high yield fixed income securities. For purposes of the category definition, up to 30% of a Fund’s assets may be held in Foreign Fixed Income products which will be treated as Canadian content provided that the currency exposure on those holdings is hedged into Canadian dollars.

Funds in the Canadian Corporate Fixed Income category must have a stated mandate to invest primarily in corporate bonds and must invest at least 90% of their fixed income holdings in Canadian dollars with an average duration greater than 3.5 years and less than 9.0 years. In addition, these funds must invest primarily in investment-grade fixed-income securities, such that the average credit quality of the portfolio as a whole is investment grade (BBB or equivalent rating or higher) and not more than 40% of the portfolio’s holdings are invested in high yield fixed income securities. At least 60% of the portfolio’s fixed income holdings are in corporate fixed income. For purposes of the category definition, up to 30% of a Fund’s assets may be held in Foreign Fixed Income products which will be treated as Canadian content provided that the currency exposure on those holdings is hedged into Canadian Dollars.

Funds in the Canadian Long Term Fixed Income category must invest at least 90% of their fixed income holdings in fixed-income securities denominated in Canadian dollars with an average duration greater than 9.0 years. In addition, these funds must invest primarily in investment-grade fixed-income securities, such that the average credit quality of the portfolio as a whole is investment grade (BBB or equivalent rating or higher) and not more than 40% of the portfolio’s holdings are invested in high yield fixed income securities. For purposes of the category definition, up to 30% of a Fund’s assets may be held in Foreign Fixed Income products which will be treated as Canadian content provided that the currency exposure on those holdings is hedged into Canadian dollars.

Funds in the Canadian Inflation Protected Fixed Income category must invest at least 90% of their fixed income holdings in inflation protected fixed-income securities denominated in Canadian dollars. In addition, these funds must invest primarily in investment-grade fixed-income securities, such that the average credit quality of the portfolio as a whole is investment grade (BBB or equivalent rating or higher) and not more than 40% of the portfolio’s holdings are invested in high yield fixed income securities. For purposes of the category definition, up to 30% of a Fund’s assets may be held in Foreign Fixed Income products which will be treated as Canadian content provided that the currency exposure on those holdings is hedged into Canadian dollars.

Funds in the Global Fixed Income category must invest less than 90% of their fixed income holdings in Canadian dollar issues. In addition, these funds must invest primarily in investment-grade fixed income securities (BBB or equivalent rating or higher) and not more than 40% of the portfolio’s holdings are invested in non-investment grade securities.

Funds in the Global Corporate Fixed Income category must have a stated mandate to invest primarily in corporate bonds and must invest less than 90% of their fixed income holdings in Canadian dollar issues. In addition, these funds must invest primarily in investment-grade fixed income securities (BBB or equivalent rating or higher) and not more than 40% of the portfolio’s holdings are invested in non-investment grade securities. At least 60% of the portfolio’s fixed income holdings are in corporate fixed income.

Funds in the High Yield Fixed Income category must invest primarily in fixed-income securities with a non-investment-grade credit rating, such that their average credit quality is below investment grade (Lower than BBB or equivalent) or in excess of 40% of the portfolio’s holdings are invested in high yield fixed income securities.

Funds in the Preferred Share Fixed Income category must invest at least 90% of their fixed income holdings in preferred shares.

Funds in the Floating Rate Loan category must have a stated mandate to invest in floating rate loans such that at least 25% of the portfolio is invested in non-investment grade floating rate loans. The average credit quality of the portfolio must be below investment grade (lower than BBB or equivalent).

Funds in the Emerging Markets Fixed Income category must invest at least 90% of their fixed income holdings in countries from emerging markets or currencies from countries in emerging markets. Funds with a consistently narrow focus on a single country, group of countries or single region within emerging markets will be excluded from the category.

Funds in the Multi-Sector Fixed Income category have an investment mandate stating that they strategically or tactically diversify their assets across several fixed income sectors including, but not limited to, government, municipal/provincial, corporate (including preferred shares), securitized (including asset-backed securities, collateralized loans, mortgage-backed securities, etc.), and high yield debt. Geographic exposure can span both developed and emerging markets. Canadian Fixed Income should be less than 90% to qualify. Inclusion in this category may be based on i) a written fixed income allocation policy meeting the above definition (i.e., in a fund’s prospectus or written investment policy) that is explicit in defining a multi-sector mandate; ii) a portfolio manager’s or sub-adviser’s stated or known approach to managing portfolios; or iii) the fund’s historical fixed income allocation tendencies. Namely, funds in this category should have no more than 65% of their holdings in a single fixed income sector and should demonstrate that they span at least three fixed income sectors over time, defined as a weighted average exposure of at least 10%.

The CIFSC notes that funds in this category have, or are permitted to have, an average credit quality below investment grade (Lower than BBB or equivalent) and can hold in excess of 40% of the portfolio in high yield fixed income securities for prolonged periods of time, which would otherwise qualify the fund for the High Yield Fixed Income category.

Funds in the Canadian Equity Balanced category must invest at least 70% of total assets in a combination of equity securities domiciled in Canada and Canadian dollar-denominated fixed income securities.* In addition, they must invest greater than 60% but less than 90% of their total assets in equity securities.

Funds in the Canadian Neutral Balanced category must invest at least 70% of total assets in a combination of equity securities domiciled in Canada and Canadian dollar-denominated fixed income securities.* In addition, they must invest greater than or equal to 40% but less than or equal to 60% of their total assets in equity securities.

Funds in the Canadian Fixed Income Balanced category must invest at least 70% of total assets in a combination of equity securities domiciled in Canada and Canadian dollar-denominated fixed income securities.* In addition, they must invest greater than 5% but less than 40% of their total assets in equity securities.

Funds in the Global Equity Balanced category must invest less than 70% of total assets in a combination of equity securities domiciled in Canada and Canadian dollar-denominated fixed income securities.* In addition, they must invest greater than 60% but less than 90% of their total assets in equity securities.

Funds in the Global Neutral Balanced category must invest less than 70% of total assets in a combination of equity securities domiciled in Canada and Canadian dollar-denominated fixed income securities.* In addition, they must invest greater than or equal to 40% but less than or equal to 60% of their total assets in equity securities.

Funds in the Global Fixed Income Balanced category must invest less than 70% of total assets in a combination of equity securities domiciled in Canada and Canadian dollar-denominated fixed income securities.* In addition, they must invest greater than 5% but less than 40% of their total assets in equity securities.

*Includes the fund’s Canadian dollar-denominated cash and cash equivalents.

Funds in the Tactical Balanced category must have a flexible asset allocation policy ranging from 40% (or less) to 60% (or more) in each of equity and fixed income securities. Inclusion in this category may be based on: i) a written asset allocation policy meeting the above definition (i.e. in a fund’s prospectus or written investment policy); ii) a portfolio manager’s or sub-adviser’s stated or known approach to managing portfolios; or iii) the fund’s historical asset allocation tendencies. The portfolio manager or sub-adviser may employ one or more methods to make their asset allocation decisions.

These are target-date funds that mature in 2020 or earlier. This includes any target date funds that are passed their target date but remain active.

These are target-date funds that mature in 2025 or earlier and after 2020.

These are target-date funds that mature in 2030 or earlier and after 2025.

These are target-date funds that mature in 2035 or earlier and after 2030.

These are target date funds that mature after 2035.

Funds in the Canadian Dividend & Income Equity category must have a stated mandate to invest primarily in income-generating securities and must invest at least 70% of their equity holdings in securities domiciled in Canada. In addition, these funds must invest at least 50% of their non-cash assets in income-generating securities such that the 3-year weighted average yield on the equity component of the fund’s portfolio is above the 3-year weighted average yield of the S&P/TSX Composite Dividend Index. The fund’s average capitalization must exceed the Canadian and Canadian Focused small/mid cap threshold.

Funds in the Canadian Equity category must invest at least 90% of their equity holdings in securities domiciled in Canada, and their average market capitalization must be greater than the Canadian small/mid cap threshold.

Funds in the Canadian Small/Mid Cap Equity category must invest at least 90% of their equity holdings in securities domiciled in Canada, and their average market capitalization must be lower than the Canadian small/mid cap threshold.

Funds in the Canadian Focused Equity category must invest at least 50% and less than 90% of their equity holdings in securities domiciled in Canada, and their average market capitalization must be greater than the Canadian focused small/mid cap threshold.

Funds in the Canadian Focused Small/Mid Cap Equity category must invest at least 50% and less than 90% of their equity holdings in securities domiciled in Canada, and their average market capitalization must be lower than the Canadian focused small/mid cap threshold.

Funds in the U.S. Equity category must invest at least 90% of their equity holdings in securities domiciled in the United States, and their average market capitalization must be greater than the U.S. small/mid cap threshold.

Funds in the U.S. Small/Mid Cap category must invest at least 90% of their equity holdings in securities domiciled in the United States such that their average market capitalization is within the U.S. small/mid cap threshold.

Funds in the U.S. Dividend & Income Equity category must have a stated mandate to invest primarily in income-generating securities and must invest at least 90% of their equity holdings in securities domiciled in the United States. In addition, these funds must invest at least 50% of their non-cash assets in income-generating securities such that the 3-year weighted average yield on the equity component of the fund’s portfolio is above 1.15x the 3-year weighted average yield of the S&P 500 Index. The fund’s average capitalization must exceed the U.S. Small/Mid Cap Equity threshold.

Funds in the North American Equity category must invest at least 90% of their equity holdings in securities domiciled in Canada and/or the United States but less than 50% of their equity holdings in securities domiciled in Canada. This category excludes any fund that meets the requirements of the U.S. Equity and U.S. Small/Mid Cap Equity categories.

Funds in the Asia Pacific Equity category must invest at least 90% of their equity holdings in securities domiciled in 2 or more countries in the Asia/Pacific region. This category excludes any funds that meet the requirements of the Asia Pacific ex-Japan or Greater China Equity categories.

Funds in the Asia Pacific ex-Japan Equity category must invest at least 90% of their equity holdings in securities domiciled in 2 or more countries in the Asia/Pacific Rim region. Funds that qualify for Greater China Equity, or funds with more than 5% of equity holdings in Japanese equity securities are excluded from the category.

Funds in the Greater China Equity category must invest at least 90% of their equity holdings in securities domiciled in China, Hong Kong or Taiwan.

Funds in the European Equity category must invest at least 90% of their equity holdings in a diversified portfolio of securities domiciled in 2 or more countries in Europe.

Funds in the Emerging Markets Equity category must invest at least 90% of their equity holdings in a broadly based portfolio of securities from emerging markets countries. Funds with a consistently narrow focus on a single country, group of countries or single region within the emerging markets will be excluded from the category

Funds in the Global Equity category must invest in securities domiciled anywhere across the globe such that their average market capitalization is greater than the small/mid cap threshold, and invest more than 10% and less than 90% of their equity holdings in Canada or the U.S. Funds that do not meet any of the requirements of other geographic equity categories and have no formal restrictions that limit where they can invest will be assigned to this category.

Funds in the Global Dividend & Income Equity category must have a stated mandate to invest primarily in income-generating securities and must invest more than 10% and less than 90% of their equity holdings in Canada or the U.S. In addition, these funds must invest at least 50% of their non-cash assets in income-generating securities such that the 3-year weighted average yield on the equity component of the fund’s portfolio is above 1.15x the 3-year weighted average yield of the MSCI World Index. The fund’s average capitalization must exceed the Global Small/Mid Cap Equity threshold.

Funds in the Global Infrastructure Equity category must invest at least 10% and less than 90% of their equity holdings in Canada or the U.S. such that their average market capitalization is greater than the small/mid cap threshold. Funds must have a stated mandate to invest in infrastructure related companies and at least 90% of equity holdings must be invested in infrastructure related sectors including but not limited to: Telecom Infrastructure, Utilities Infrastructure, Energy Infrastructure, Transportation Infrastructure and Diversified Infrastructure. Funds that are highly concentrated in one, or relatively few sectors will be placed in the Sector Equity category.

Funds in the Global Small/Mid Cap Equity category must invest in securities domiciled anywhere across the globe such that their average market capitalization is within the small/mid cap threshold and must invest more than 10% and less than 90% of their Equities Assets in Canada or the U.S. Funds that do not meet any of the requirements of other geographic equity categories and have no formal restrictions that limit where they can invest will be assigned to this category

Funds in the International Equity category must invest at least 90% of their equity assets in countries other than Canada and the United States and at least 70% of their equity assets in developed countries. Funds that do not meet any of the requirements of the more focused geographic equity categories and that invest less than 90% of their assets in any single country or region will be assigned to the International Equity category.

Funds in the Financial Services Equity category must invest at least 90% of their equity holdings in the Financial Services sector.

Funds in the Precious Metals Equity category must invest at least 90% of their equity holdings in the securities of companies in the Gold and Precious Metals sector.

Funds in the Natural Resources Equity category must invest at least 90% of their equity holdings in the securities of companies whose primary line of business is in any combination of Energy and Basic Materials. This excludes any funds that meet the definition for the Precious Metals Equity category.

Funds in the Real Estate Equity category must invest at least 90% of their equity holdings in the Real Estate sector.

Funds in the Energy Equity category must invest at least 90% of their equity holdings in the securities of companies in the Energy sector.

Funds in this category invest in equity securities focused on a specific geographic area or areas and do not qualify for any of the existing geographic equity categories. Funds in this category should not be considered homogenous and data providers will not rank, quartile, or apply similar relative comparisons to the constituents.

Funds in this category invest in equity securities focused on a specific sector or sectors and do not qualify for any of the existing sector equity categories. Funds in this category should not be considered homogenous and data providers will not rank, quartile, or apply similar relative comparisons to the constituents.

Funds in the Commodity category must invest primarily in physical commodities or gain exposure to commodities using derivatives. The commodity exposure must be primarily long and must not be greater than 100% (i.e. not leveraged).

Funds in the Retail Venture Capital funds include but are not limited to Labour Sponsored Investment Funds (LSIF) and other related Funds that receive special tax benefits for investing in Canadian venture capital as defined by the applicable federal and provincial statutes.

Funds in the Passive Inverse/Leveraged category are available for sale to retail investors and employ a passive investment strategy with one of the following objectives:

A) Seek to gain more than 100% exposure to an index or asset class.
B) Seek to gain inverse exposure to an index or asset class.

Funds in one of these three sub-categories should not be considered homogenous and data providers will not rank, quartile, or apply similar relative comparisons to the sub-category constituents.

Funds that focus on fixed income type securities and do not qualify for any of the existing fixed income fund categories. Funds may use real property as a substitute for traditional income securities.

Funds that have a unique strategy that does not belong to any other category or any other Miscellaneous sub-category.

Funds in this sub-category do not report their holdings to any of the data providers that are members of the CIFSC. The CIFSC requires fund companies to submit full holdings data for their funds at least quarterly, lagged by no more than one quarter in order to be classified. If holdings are not provided according to this standard, then the respective fund or funds will be moved into this category until such time as the minimum holding requirement is met.