Commentary
Print Print

Ninepoint Target Income Fund

Ninepoint Target Income Fund Q1 2024 Commentary

The Ninepoint Target Income Fund Q1 2024 Update

The global equity rally continued in Q1 on sustained strength in technology shares and improving breadth from cyclical sectors. Index implied volatility was stable with muted correlation between equities and moderately lower single stock volatility expectations. While technology sectors continue to show strong earnings revisions and cyclical sectors are also seeing some earnings improvement; valuation multiple expansion not earnings growth, has driven the majority of recent equity market performance, potentially leaving markets susceptible to either a growth or rates scares.  US treasury markets have taken 2024 interest rate expectations from over 6 cuts at the beginning of the year, to less than 3 cuts as economic and inflation data have come in firm. With equity markets benefiting from expectations of a fed pivot, we could see more muted risk asset performance, if hawkish central bank rhetoric resumes and interest rates continue to rise. This would be in-line with the dynamics that drove last years fall sell-off, which saw volatility move higher and raised potential yields on newly initiated puts.

In the Ninepoint Target Income Fund, a quarter of the options portfolio rolled mid-March into new 1 year put options. The portfolio at quarter end, sat with strike prices greater than -15% out-the-money.  This continues to provide downside protection before options premiums and investment principal are at risk at expiry. This offers the strategy potential defensive benefits relative to a long equity position, if equity markets do experience more muted performance with higher potential for downside.

Notional Moneyness of put options sold

Until Next Time,

Colin Watson
Portfolio Manager
Ninepoint Partners

Why Invest in the Ninepoint Target Income Fund?

  • Targeted Distribution: The Ninepoint Target Income Fund utilizes a cash covered put selling strategy offering 6% target distribution*, potentially offering a buffer against market declines
  • Accessible: Offered in a low-medium risk rated traditional mutual fund structure with daily liquidity at NAV
  • Income Potential & Diversification: options-based income strategies can offer a competitive yield and may provide diversification to traditional income portfolios during challenging markets
  • Execution Partnership: Leverages RBC Quantitative Investment Solutions diversified, rules based put selling strategies to generate income and diversification

*The amount of the monthly distribution may be adjusted by the Manager without notice throughout the year as market conditions change. Monthly distributions will be comprised of net income, net realized capital gains and/or return of capital. 

1All returns and fund details are a) based on Series F shares; b) net of fees; c) annualized if period is greater than one year; d) as at 3/31/2024, e) 2022 annual returns are from 08/02/22 to 12/31/22.

The Fund is generally exposed to the following risks: Capital depletion risk; Concentration risk; Currency risk; Cybersecurity risk; Derivatives risk; Foreign investment risk; Inflation risk; Interest rate risk; Liquidity risk; Market risk; Securities lending, repurchase and reverse repurchase transactions risk; Series risk; Short selling risk; Substantial securityholder risk; Tax risk. Additional risks associated with an investment in ETF Series securities of this Fund include: Absence of an active market for ETF Series risk; Halted trading of ETF Series risk; Trading price of ETF Series risk.

Ninepoint Partners LP is the investment manager to the Ninepoint Funds (collectively, the “Funds”). Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees, performance fees (if any), and other expenses all may be associated with investing in the Funds. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing. The indicated rate of return for series F units of the Fund for the period ended 3/31/2024 is based on the historical annual compounded total return including changes in unit value and reinvestment of all distributions and does not take into account sales, redemption, distribution or optional charges or income taxes payable by any unitholder that would have reduced returns. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. The information contained herein does not constitute an offer or solicitation by anyone in the United States or in any other jurisdiction in which such an offer or solicitation is not authorized or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation. Prospective investors who are not resident in Canada should contact their financial advisor to determine whether securities of the Fund may be lawfully sold in their jurisdiction.

The opinions, estimates and projections (“information”) contained within this report are solely those of Ninepoint Partners LP and are subject to change without notice. Ninepoint Partners makes every effort to ensure that the information has been derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, Ninepoint Partners assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages, whether direct or indirect, which arise out of the use of this information. Ninepoint Partners is not under any obligation to update or keep current the information contained herein. The information should not be regarded by recipients as a substitute for the exercise of their own judgment. Please contact your own personal advisor on your particular circumstances.

Views expressed regarding a particular company, security, industry or market sector should not be considered an indication of trading intent of any investment funds managed by Ninepoint Partners. Any reference to a particular company is for illustrative purposes only and should not to be considered as investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell nor should it be considered as an indication of how the portfolio of any investment fund managed by Ninepoint Partners is or will be invested.

Ninepoint Partners and/or its affiliates may collectively beneficially own/control 1% or more of any class of the equity securities of the issuers mentioned in this report. Ninepoint Partners and/or its affiliates may hold short position in any class of the equity securities of the issuers mentioned in this report. During the preceding 12 months, Ninepoint Partners and/or its affiliates may have received remuneration other than normal course investment advisory or trade execution services from the issuers mentioned in this report.