The feared consequences of trade wars have taken the steam out of international equities markets in 2018
Portfolio managers face a narrow mandate, but they can diversify across industries such as precious metals and forest products
Rising interest rates, uncertainty about NAFTA and rumblings of trade wars haven't dampened optimism about U.S. stocks
China, India and other Asian countries are benefiting from expanding middle classes and increased domestic consumption
Yield-focused active strategies did well last year
The worst-performing fund indices were precious metals equity, natural resources equity and energy equity
Better-performing funds in the sector have bypassed Canadian stocks and sought opportunities in the U.S. and Europe
Every major stock market in the world was down in February, with losses typically ranging from 3% to 6%
Canadian equity income funds face both headwinds and tailwinds as interest rates rise amid strong economic growth
Portfolio managers of global fixed-income funds brace for more rate hikes amid optimism about global economic growth