Ninepoint Focused Global Dividend Class

October 2018 Commentary

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Year-to-date to October 31, the Ninepoint Focused Global Dividend Class generated a total return of 1.28% compared to the S&P Global 1200 Index, which generated a total return of 2.41% (CAD).

Returns in the month of October were disappointing on an absolute and relative basis, with the Fund generating a total return of -7.73% while the benchmark generated a total return of -5.53%. In October, the US 10-year bond yield rallied from 3.06% to 3.16%, remaining above the key psychological level of 3.0%, which acted as a headwind for the equity markets. Our investments in the Communications sector performed well but could not offset weakness in the Information Technology, Consumer Discretionary, Energy and Industrials sectors. Finally, currency hedging detracted from performance in October as the CAD weakened despite the successful negotiation of the USMCA trade deal.

October 2018 will be remembered for the dramatic correction in the equity markets, with the S&P 500 falling 10.6% to an intraday low on October 29, before rebounding. The list of potential factors or causes of the correction have been well documented (including a more-hawkish than expected FED tone that led to higher rate expectations, a deteriorating US-China relationship that led to the enactment of trade tariffs, wage and materials cost inflation that led to margin compression in various earnings reports and the looming US midterm elections that led to political uncertainty) but, in realty, no single factor can be blamed.

Whatever the trigger, aggressive positioning in crowded high-growth and high-multiple stocks was unwound and the entire market de-rated. Broadly speaking, rising rates and uncertainty imply lower P/E multiples but consider the following scenarios for the S&P 500 based on forward earnings estimates: 15x $178 = 2,670 (seems unlikely since earnings growth remains positive in 2019), 16x $178 = 2,850 (very reasonable), 17x $178 = 3,025 (quite possible) or 18x $178 = 3,200 (seems unlikely without an improvement in either the FED’s tone or US-China trade rhetoric).

Therefore, we believe that it is too early to position for an outright downturn and expect markets to end the year higher than today. Positive seasonality for the markets should kick in (gains in November and December occur 75% of the time based on data from the past twenty years), the midterm elections proved to be benign (on average markets rally 7% from August 31 to year-end around midterms based on history) and earnings expectations and market valuations have been reset to reasonable levels.

Our modelling indicates that the Canadian dollar is roughly fairly-valued. However, the equity market selloff has introduced a new level of complexity to our FX analysis as prior correlations become less statistically significant. We have therefore maintained hedges on half of our USD/CAD exposure to reduce volatility in the Fund.

Top contributors to the year-to-date performance of the Ninepoint Focused Global Dividend Class included Mastercard (+141 bps), Microsoft (+129 bps) and UnitedHealth Group (+108 bps). Top detractors year-to-date included Canadian Natural Resources (-54 bps), Brookfield Asset Management (-44 bps) and MGM Resorts International (-38 bps).

The Ninepoint Focused Global Dividend Class was concentrated in 26 positions as at October 31, 2018 with the top 10 holdings accounting for approximately 45.4% of the fund. Over the prior fiscal year, 19 out of our 26 holdings have announced a dividend increase, with an average hike of 15.4%. We will continue to apply a disciplined investment process, balancing various quality and valuation metrics, in an effort to generate solid risk-adjusted returns.

Jeffrey Sayer, CFA

1 All 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 October 31, 2018; e) 2015 annual returns are from 11/25/15 to 12/31/15. The index is S&P GLOBAL 1200 TR (CAD) and is computed by Ninepoint Partners LP based on publicly available index information.

The Fund is generally exposed to the following risks. See the prospectus of the Fund for a description of these risks: ADR risk; Capital depletion risk; Capital gains risk; Class risk; Credit risk; Currency risk; Cybersecurity risk; Derivatives risk; Exchange traded funds 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; Specific issuer risk; Tax 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 shares of the Fund for the period ended October 31, 2018 is based on the historical annual compounded total return including changes in share 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 LP. 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 LP is or will be invested. Ninepoint Partners LP 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 LP 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 LP 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.

The information provided is general in nature and is provided with the understanding that it may not be relied upon as, nor considered to be, the rendering or tax, legal, accounting or professional advice. Readers should consult with their own accountants and/or lawyers for advice on the specific circumstances before taking any action.

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