In the media

Check out the latest interviews with our Investment Team as they comment on economic issues and investment strategy.

TSX weighed down by cyclicals in May: Portfolio manager

June 1, 2023 - Christine Tan, Portfolio Manager at SLGI Asset Management Inc., was featured on BNN Bloomberg. In her 2023 portfolio strategy, she discusses owning longer duration bonds and how that could provide capital appreciation potential.

'No reason to panic' about your 60-40 portfolio

May 16, 2023 - Jason Zhang, Portfolio Manager, SLGI Asset Management Inc. spoke to Wealth Professional about the place 60-40 portfolios have in the current economy. Zhang suggests investors “adjust the formula for the short term and hold it for the long term.”   

What happens if the U.S. debt ceiling is not raised?

May 15, 2023 - Christine Tan, Portfolio Manager at SLGI Asset Management Inc. was featured in a Wealth Professional article, ‘What happens if the U.S. debt ceiling is not raised?’ Tan points out that ‘a complete default would be disastrous for the United States,’ but she also notes that there are still options that can be exercised. 

High quality bonds as a hedge against risk: Strategist

May 8, 2023 - BNN Bloomberg asked Chhad Aul, Chief Investment Officer and Head of Multi-Asset Solutions at SLGI Asset Management Inc., about the risk of missing out by being too defensive. "There's always a risk…hedge some of the downside by being more defensive, but stay in the market."

Balanced portfolios: why diversification is key for investing success

April 28, 2023 – Jason Zhang, Portfolio Manager at SLGI Asset Management Inc. shares his insights on the correlation between stock and bond prices in this recent article by Wealth Professional.

Reasons why investors should be paying special attention to guidance this quarter

April 13, 2023 - Chhad Aul, Chief Investment Officer and Head of Multi-Asset Solutions at SLGI Asset Management Inc., was interviewed by BNN Bloomberg. Higher uncertainty usually brings higher volatility, but lately that's not the case. Aul says that instead, we should seek guidance from areas like retailers or banks for what they think about consumer demand and credit conditions. 

Pullbacks in loans from regional banks is part of the transmission from rate hikes: Strategist

March 16, 2023 - Christine Tan, portfolio manager, SLGI Asset Management Inc. gives her reaction to BNN Bloomberg about the recent developments regarding banks and loans. "This pull back in financial conditions and the availability of loans is part of the transmission of higher interest rates," which is part of the process of bringing inflation down, explains Tan.

Why are women so underrepresented as advisors?

March 8, 2023 -  As the 21st century progresses, women are gaining greater control of global wealth – but why is the financial advisor field still male-dominated? Sun Life Global Investments is taking a hard look at why this imbalance exists, how legacy thinking is impacting the profession, and what can be done to support women advisors at all phases in their careers. 

How much more dovish can the BoC be before its divergent approach affects loonie?: Strategist

March 7, 2023 - Chhad Aul, Chief Investment Officer and Head of Multi-Asset Solutions at SLGI Asset Management Inc., appeared on BNN Bloomberg to discuss his take on the Bank of Canada's measures to fight inflation. Aul notes the pause on rate hikes has been "well telegraphed," but cautions that too much divergence from other central banks could weaken the Canadian dollar.

There's reason to be a little bit optimistic about interest rates: Portfolio manager

February 21, 2023 - Christine Tan, portfolio manager at SLGI Asset Management Inc., appeared on BNN Bloomberg to talk about the signs of slowing inflation. Though the inflation rate was reported today as being softer than expected at 5.9%, Tan's take was that, "Our team thinks it's important to look at the details at this point in the cycle." These details include things that are adding pressure to the upside like shelter and food. 

This is a good opportunity to take some profits, move to a defensive positioning: Strategist

February 9, 2023 - Chhad Aul, Chief Investment Officer and Head of Multi-Asset Solutions at SLGI Asset Management Inc., was interviewed by BNN Bloomberg for his take on the market. Aul feels there's limited reason to preemptively call a victory on inflation as interest rate hikes have yet to show their full impact
on the economy.

Bond over stocks, U.S. stocks over TSX amid current market environment: Strategist 

January 31, 2023 - Christine Tan, portfolio manager at SLGI Asset Management Inc. discusses the efforts to "thread the needle" with BNN Bloomberg. Tan explains this as trying to bring inflation down so the economy can grow at a more measured pace, while still watching wildcards such as housing and consumer sentiment. 

Why this portfolio manager is proceeding with caution

January 23, 2023 - Christine Tan, portfolio manager at SLGI Asset Management Inc., discusses with Wealth Professional her guarded stance as she looks forward to 2023. “Even though there is somewhat of a consensus view of a recession, there's still quite a wide variation in terms of the actual economic path.”

We continue to stay away from cyclical stocks: Strategist

January 12, 2023 – Chhad Aul, Chief Investment Officer and Head of Multi-Asset Solutions at SLGI Asset Management Inc., joins BNN Bloomberg for his market view. Aul expects that the central banks will err on the side of overtightening for longer, possibly enabled by the current strong labour market. Rate hikes are not over yet, so it might be well into next year before any rate cuts are made. 

Oricia Smith – Changing the face of asset management

January, 2023 – Oricia Smith, President of SLGI Asset Management Inc. and Senior Vice President of Investment Solutions for Sun Life Canada spoke with Business Chief magazine. "My ambition for Sun Life Global Investments is to be the most forward-looking investment manager and the asset manager of choice in Canada.” To achieve that goal will take asking the right questions.  

Don’t neglect bonds this year despite tough 2022, PMs say

January 5, 2023 – Christine Tan, portfolio manager at SLGI Asset Management Inc., was featured in an Investment Executive article where she talks about why she is bullish on bonds, in particular Canadian government bonds. “As you get closer to the end of a hiking cycle, you can start increasing the duration of the bonds,” she adds.

To keep inflation in check, overtightening may be necessary, invest in bonds: Strategist

December 19, 2022 - Chhad Aul, CIO and head of multi-asset solutions at SLGI Asset Management, joins BNN Bloomberg to talk about how recession risk is starting to dominate market conversations. Aul feels cyclicality is not desirable when the economy is slowing; instead, this last month of the year was more about seeking diversification. Though equities were challenged in December, bonds held onto gains. 

We prefer the U.S. for some sectors, while looking at Canada for others: Strategist

December 2, 2022 – Christine Tan, portfolio manager at SLGI Asset Management Inc., joins BNN Bloomberg to discuss how she thinks Canada’s interest rate hikes will peak sooner versus the U.S. and why our economy is more rate sensitive. She also talks about the impact of inflation and its impact on company earnings.  

We're all in this together' when it comes to gender equality

November 22, 2022 –Jenifer Rush, Head of Responsible Investing & Manager Research at Sun Life Global Investments talks with Wealth Professional ahead of her upcoming participation in the Women in Wealth summit. On gender equity in the investment industry, Jenifer mentions “We need to make sure there are mentors, and they don’t all have to be women,” and notes that she’s hopeful about the younger generation who seem to experience fewer barriers as they start their careers.

Championing the causes of women in finance, technology

November 17, 2022 - Sun Life’s honourees in the WXN Top 100 Canada’s Most Powerful Women are true standouts in their chosen fields. Not only have they powered through the ranks to lead their respective groups, they have also taken on the challenge of building up the representation of women and diverse groups in traditionally male-dominated roles.

Market sentiment is optimistic, high quality bonds are a good hedge during recessions: Strategist

November 17, 2022 – Chhad Aul, Chief Investment Officer and Head of Multi-Asset Solutions at SLGI Asset Management Inc., joins BNN Bloomberg to discuss historical recession trends, and why he’s cautious on emerging markets. “Inflation numbers in coming months are still going to be a source of volatility going forward” and notes that it’s important to have a more defensive equity allocation.

Still cautious on equities but finding opportunities in Canadian government bonds

November 9, 2022 – Christine Tan, portfolio manager at SLGI Asset Management Inc., joins BNN Bloomberg to discuss the markets’ reaction to the U.S midterm election results. She also talks about opportunities in equity and bond markets amid persistent inflation and a looming economic downturn.

How can the investment industry achieve ESG clarity?

November 3, 2022 - With the rise in investor consciousness around environmental and social issues, the ESG movement has gained traction over the past two years. “We essentially are using terms like sustainable investing, responsible investing, ESG... interchangeably, which is causing ambiguity...” says Adelina Romanelli, director of responsible investing at SLGI Asset Management Inc. in this Wealth Professional discussion. 

Has National Congress affected investors' view of China?

October 26, 2022 – On the back of the “state of the union” speech by President Xi Jinping, Christine Tan, portfolio manager at SLGI Asset Management Inc. discusses key drivers impacting investments in Chinese stocks and emerging markets in this recent Wealth Professional interview.

How do central banks pause without looking overly dovish?

October 20, 2022 - Chhad Aul, Chief Investment Officer and Head of Multi-Asset Solutions at SLGI Asset Management Inc., joins BNN Bloomberg to discuss his market outlook amid persistent inflation. He says, “We’ve barely gotten to the point where these rate hikes are starting to impact the real economy,” and adds that investors may see a bear market rally this quarter if several stocks beat estimates.

Oricia Smith named among Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award Winners

October 19, 2022 - Congratulations to Oricia Smith, President, SLGI Asset Management Inc. and Senior Vice-President, Investment Solutions, Sun Life Canada, on being named among Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 by the Women’s Executive Network (WXN).

A look at target-date fund managers’ varying approaches to ESG investing

October 17, 2022 - Defined contribution pension plan sponsors face many challenges when it comes to ESG investing options. In a recent investment forum, Satwik Misra and Jenifer Rush, both from Sun Life Global Investments Inc., discussed the sometimes competing factors of achieving the best financial interest of plan members alongside other goals such as responsible investing.

How to position portfolios if inflation is turning the corner

October 12, 2022 - With a looming economic slowdown, Christine Tan, portfolio manager at SLGI Asset Management Inc. discusses key drivers that may impact asset allocation decisions heading into next year.

Canada's economic outlook amid rate hikes

October 7, 2022 - Following jobs data that came in as expected, Christine Tan, portfolio manager at SLGI Asset Management Inc., examines what’s next for Canadian rate hikes and the likelihood and potential severity of an upcoming recession. Tan says "It is all dependent on the BoC's next moves".

Is the investment industry making headway on its ESG journey?

September 29, 2022 - Thinking and acting on ESG in a proactive way can channel capital towards more sustainability-oriented outcomes. Adelina Romanelli, director of responsible investing, talks to Wealth Professional about how Canadian investors are showing interest in learning more about responsible investing, even without being asked by their advisors.

Moving to normal size Bank of Canada interest rate hikes.

September 8, 2022 - Chhad Aul, Chief Investment Officer and Head of Multi-Asset Solutions at SLGI Asset Management Inc., joins BNN Bloomberg to discusses how markets are shifting from inflation concerns to worries about a slowing economy and the impact that could have on earnings growth.

 

Why it's too soon to get excited for early-2023 rate cuts: Chhad Aul

August 18, 2022 - Chhad Aul, Chief Investment Officer and Head of Multi-Asset Solutions at SLGI Asset Management Inc., urges caution on strong bear market rally as leading indicators flash yellow in an interview for Wealth Professional.

 

Cirque Du Soleil Entertainment Group Celebrates A New Attendance Record

August 9, 2022 - Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group's, KOOZA, presented by Sun Life Global Investments, has reached a new historical attendance record. After nearly 13 weeks and 115 performances, they will close in their home town of Montreal with almost 270,000 tickets sold.

 

Demand for oil will decrease; however, Russia could continue to weaponize it: Chhad Aul

August 5, 2022 - Chhad Aul, Chief Investment Officer and Head of Multi-Asset Solutions at SLGI Asset Management Inc., joins BNN Bloomberg to discuss his market outlook as Canadian jobs unexpectedly fall. He says central banks' tightening will continue to affect economic growth.

 

Recession odds in Canada are increasing: Chhad Aul

July 8, 2022 - Chhad Aul, Chief Investment Officer and Head of Multi-Asset Solutions at SLGI Asset Management Inc., joins BNN Bloomberg to discuss his market outlook as Canada's unemployment rate reaches record lows. He notes that even as economy is strong, the possibility of a recession even if mild are rising.

SLGI Asset Management Inc. introduces new retirement income solutions - Wealth Professional

June 22, 2022 –  Oricia Smith, President of SLGI Asset Management Inc. and Senior Vice-President, Investment Solutions, Sun Life Canada, comments on the new retirement income solutions that deliver on our Purpose of helping Canadians achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives.

 

Bullish view on Canada's TSX tempered as analysts fret about growth: Chhad Aul

May 25, 2022 - Chhad Aul, CIO and Head of Multi-Asset Solutions at SLGI Asset Management Inc., talks to Reuters about economic growth slowing and central banks raising interest rates.

Focus shifting from super-high inflation to slowdown: Chhad Aul

May 24, 2022 - Chhad Aul, CIO and Head of Multi-Asset Solutions at SLGI Asset Management Inc., joins BNN Bloomberg to discuss how the economy is showing signs of slowing growth, and his expectations the U.S. and Canadian central banks will continue with 50 bps rate hikes in the next couple of meetings until showing more flexibility later this year.

Energy is a reasonable trade for now, but its drop could be 'quite significant' by 2023: Chhad Aul

May 5, 2022 - Chhad Aul, chief investment officer and Head of Multi-Asset Solutions at SLGI Asset Management Inc., joins BNN Bloomberg to discuss markets after the Fed decide to hike interest rates by 50bps. Chhad notes the commodities rally could come into pressure by the end of the year and believes equities will continue to outperform.

Chhad Aul on tactical asset allocation

March 30, 2022 – Chhad Aul, CIO and Head of Multi-Asset Solutions, SLGI Asset Management Inc. spoke with Steve Peacher at SLC Management. Chhad discussed the team's approach to asset allocation amid spikes in inflation, rising rates, and geopolitical crisis.

Canada has been a great hedge against geopolitical risk: Chhad Aul

March 11, 2022 – Chhad Aul, CIO and Head of Multi-Asset Solutions, talks to BNN Bloomberg about his outlook on the market and how he is positioning our portfolios as geopolitical tensions escalate. 

"Take more risks”: What Oricia Smith would tell her younger self

March 8, 2022 – Oricia Smith, President of SLGI Asset Management Inc. and Senior-Vice President, Investment Solutions, Sun Life Canada shares her best advice for women in wealth and reveals the legacy she hopes to leave behind. (Sign-in needed)

What sectors could look attractive for equity investors?

March 3, 2022 – Chhad Aul, CIO and Head of Multi-Asset Solutions, talks to Wealth Professional. As the Russia-Ukraine conflict complicates central banks’ rate-hiking path, what sectors could investors consider?

Francois' take on taxes, mortgage interest payments, and OAS

February 28, 2022 – François Bernier, Director of Tax and Estate Planning at Sun Life, answers readers’ questions on inheritance taxes, capital gain’s effects on OAS and tax deductibility of interest on home mortgages.

Chhad Aul discusses elevated volatility 

February 17, 2022 – Chhad Aul, CIO and Head of Multi-Asset Solutions, talks to BNN Bloomberg about elevated volatility led by geopolitical tensions and central bankers’ upcoming tightening policies.

Sun Life’s CEO on growth strategy 

February 15, 2022 – Kevin Strain, President and CEO of Sun Life, spoke with BNN Bloomberg about earnings performance and the impact the pandemic has had on the company. He noted that the growth of the asset management business, in particular SLC Management and MFS Investment Management, has been a strong contributor to global earnings. Both SLC and MFS are sub-advisors to Sun Life Global Investments.

We are entering correction territory, not a bear market: Chhad Aul

January 24, 2022 – Chhad Aul, CIO and Head of Multi-Asset Solutions, talks to BNN Bloomberg about the day’s market sell-off. Chhad does not believe that these moves signal a bear market, but rather a potential healthy correction ahead of tightening.  

The Fed is not overreacting to the threat Omicron poses: Chhad Aul

December 1, 2021 – Chhad Aul, CIO and Head of Multi-Asset Solutions, talks to BNN Bloomberg about portfolio considerations to hedge against volatility. He believes that the economy is past peak inflation, but central banks may continue to normalize the economy by raising rates.

How SLGI approaches sub-advisor selection, risk management, and ESG considerations

November 26, 2021 – Christine Tan, Portfolio Manager, talks to Catherine Murray Media & Markets about Sun Life managed solutions and how SLGI Asset Management Inc. selects sub-advisors. She also explains risk adjusted returns, where we are looking for opportunities next, and how the whole world took notice of sustainability considerations during the pandemic. 

Expect more volatility heading into 2022: Chhad Aul

November 16, 2021 – Chhad Aul, CIO and Head of Multi-Asset Solutions, talks to BNN Bloomberg about how markets are shaping up in trading. He believes investors should be prepared for heightened volatility in the equity market next year. 

TSX above 21,000 fueled by Canadian market exposure to procyclicals and inflation sensitive areas

October 19, 2021 – Chhad Aul, CIO and Head of Multi-Asset Solutions, talks to BNN Bloomberg about the TSX surpassing 21,000 points. Chhad explains that the Canadian market’s large exposure to cyclical sectors such as Financials, Energy and Materials is a cause for it. Despite a great run for markets, Chhad warns investors about higher volatility.

Central bank policy isn’t perfectly suited to address supply-driven inflation

October 5, 2021 – Chhad Aul, CIO and Head of Multi-Asset Solutions, talks to BNN Bloomberg about how markets are shaping up in trading. He talks about the current market rotation into value sectors and cyclicals that are tied more to reopening of the global economy. He also said there will be a clear focus once again on guidance with this next quarter’s results.

Which countries have the largest share of female investors?

September 24, 2021 – Oricia Smith, President of SLGI Asset Management Inc. and Senior Vice-President, Investment Solutions, Sun Life Canada, shared with Wealth Professional that only 18% of Canada’s advisors are women, and that the demand for financial advice for women is growing. 

Why SLGI’s new CIO and Head of Multi-Asset Solutions is planning evolution not revolution

September 24, 2021 – Chhad Aul talks to Wealth Professional about plans to grow his team to manage the challenging, more active, post-pandemic environment.

Market selloff is not surprising as many participants have called for a correction

September 20, 2021 – Chhad Aul, CIO and Head of Multi-Asset Solutions, talks to BNN Bloomberg about volatility as markets face pressure, in part, over fears surrounding China’s Evergrande debt crisis. Chhad believes the selloff is not surprising given the fact that many participants have been calling for a correction in recent weeks.

Why number of women with no financial plan is a 'wake-up call' for industry

August 30, 2021 – Oricia Smith, SLGI Asset Management Inc. President and Senior Vice President, Investment Solutions, Sun Life Canada, talks to Wealth Professional about her ambitions to make Sun Life Global Investments one of Canada’s most forward-looking asset managers, helping Canadians live better lives and retirements while supporting advisors to ensure every individual in Canada has a financial plan. 

Canadian banks' loan growth, provisions set to aid year-on-year profit rise

August 19, 2021 -  Chhad Aul, VP Portfolio Management and Portfolio Manager, talks to Reuters about how economic activity continuing to normalize with re-openings is expected to drive better loan growth at Canadian banks.

‘A magnet, not a mandate’: How some big Canadian firms are reframing the office

July 20, 2021 -  Oricia Smith, President of SLGI Asset Management Inc. and Senior Vice-President of Investment Solutions with Sun Life Canada, talks to Global News about the future of work after the pandemic and how we want our offices “to be a magnet, not a mandate.” 

Prepare to pay capital gains on shares, property left by deceased

July 5, 2021 - François Bernier, Director of Tax and Estate Planning, answers a question about property from a reader acting as a co-executor in the Montreal Gazette.

Why India could potentially lead in post-pandemic growth 

June 22, 2021 - Christine Tan talks to the Globe and Mail about how India’s growing economy is a function of low interest rates, focused government spending and manufacturing-centred initiatives. 

Walking the walk

May 17, 2021 - Oricia Smith, President of SLGI Asset Management Inc. and Senior Vice-President of Investment Solutions with Sun Life Canada, speaks about sustainability considerations in our investment process in this interview with Investment Executive.

A more diverse world at Sun Life Global Investments

May 12, 2021 - Oricia Smith, SLGI Asset Management Inc.’s new President and Senior Vice-President, Investment Solutions, Sun Life Canada, wants to help diversify staff, and bring a variety of perspectives to the table to better help advisors and investors. Read the full article from Wealth Professional.

Young Canadians need your help more than ever

March 12, 2021 - President Oricia Smith talks to Wealth Professional about how the uncertainty created by COVID-19 has caused a shift in investor priorities and highlighted the importance of preparing for the unexpected. 

Young Canadians ready to focus on finances

March 12, 2021 - The pandemic has highlighted the importance of preparing for the unexpected, President Oricia Smith says. 

China leads emerging market rebound

July 21, 2020 - Emerging markets are “no longer toddlers, but teenagers,” and are positioned for recovery, says Sun Life Global Investments Portfolio Manager Christine Tan.

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