Canada’s first ETF to use a multi-factor approach to select fixed income securities

TORONTO, Oct. 22, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AGF Investments Inc. (AGF) announced today, through AGFiQ Asset Management (AGFiQ), the launch of AGFiQ Enhanced Core Global Multi-Sector Bond ETF (QGB). QGB began trading on the Aequitas NEO Exchange Inc. today and has a management fee of 0.45%.

“Given the current environment in fixed income and longer-term projections for interest rates, investors are looking to diversify existing bond portfolios into strategies that offer access to different areas of the market,” said Kevin McCreadie, President and Chief Investment Officer, AGF. ”While fixed income investing has its roots in mathematics, we are excited to be the first in Canada to apply quantitative factor models to the asset class, focused on better understanding and managing of risk as we seek out opportunities for total return and income across the global bond market.”

QGB utilizes the expertise of AGF’s in-house quantitative investment management team – AGFiQ – and its proprietary factor and risk models to rank global bonds using factors such as growth, value, quality and risk characteristics.

Accessing Bonds

QGB provides exposure to a diversified portfolio of investment grade corporate bonds, high yield corporate bonds and government bonds issued by developed and emerging market countries. Foreign currency exposure is expected to be hedged back to Canadian Dollars, which reflects an update to the investment strategy.

“While fixed income ETFs now account for close to a third of ETF assets in Canada, we are proud to launch the first Canadian ETF to use a multi-factor based approach to fixed income investing,” said Florence Narine, Senior Vice-President, Head of Product, AGF. “This ETF was designed for investors looking to gain access to global fixed income securities seeking enhanced returns with an explicit focus on risk-management.”

Visit AGFiQ.com for more information.

About AGFiQ Asset Management

AGFiQ Asset Management is the quantitative investment platform for AGF powered by an intellectually diverse, multi-disciplined team that combines the complementary strengths of investment professionals across AGF and its affiliates from Highstreet Asset Management Inc. and FFCM LLC.

About AGF Management Limited

Founded in 1957, AGF Management Limited is an independent and globally diverse asset management firm. AGF brings a disciplined approach to delivering excellence in investment management through its fundamental, quantitative, alternative and private client businesses focused on providing an exceptional client experience. AGF’s suite of investment solutions extends globally to a wide range of clients, from financial advisors and individual investors to institutional investors including pension plans, corporate plans, sovereign wealth funds and endowments and foundations.

AGF has investment operations and client servicing teams on the ground in North America, Europe and Asia. With nearly $39 billion in total assets under management, AGF serves more than one million investors. AGF trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol AGF.B.

Commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with an investment in exchange-traded funds. Please read the prospectus or relevant ETF Facts before investing. Exchange-traded funds are not guaranteed; their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.

Media Contact

Amanda Marchment
Director, Corporate Communications
416-865-4160
[email protected]