Ninepoint Enhanced Equity Strategy

April 2019 Commentary

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Equity markets continued their 2019 momentum in April with the S&P 500 establishing a new high of 2945, just above it’s prior 2930 peak while the TSX composite tested its all-time high around the 16700 level for the third time in the past 18 months. The percentage return was strong on both sides of the border as the S&P 500 climbed 4% and the TSX increased 3.2%. The Loonie lost some more ground last month, dropping ~0.7% relative to the USD, boosting the USD based S&P 500 return for April to 4.7%. Crude oil had a very strong April but faded toward the end of the month with WTI climbing 6% to almost US$64/barrel after topping USD$66 earlier in April. Similarly, Brent crude ended up over 7% for the month at over US$72/barrel. As has been the case for some time, energy related stocks continued to underperform the price of crude oil, lagging slightly on the way up and falling further as crude sold off near month end. Finally, the price of gold continued to bounce around in the sideways channel it has occupied for several months now, finishing April down 1% to US$1282 an ounce.

Fears in March over trade rhetoric from Trump and softer economic data were overcome in April by a return to the “Goldilocks” scenario: strong economic data to boost earnings but soft inflation data to keep the Fed on hold. A strong Q1 GDP print for the U.S. economy (3.2% annualized), continued strength in the labour market (200K jobs/month and holding at 3.8% unemployment) and a rebound in retail sales all bolstered the “no recession in sight” narrative. Meanwhile, inflation data remained subdued as both wage gains and price inflation (consumer and producer) continued to underwhelm. Risks to the economic outlook have diminished other than the impossible to forecast trade negotiation between the U.S. and China (though the April headlines and rumours were all positive) and the never-ending Brexit saga.

Our portfolios also enjoyed a strong run last month, as we benefited from very good first quarter earnings across the portfolio. Our U.S. financials reported very strong results, with both Bank of America and Citibank demonstrating solid revenue growth and excellent cost containment, despite the flatter yield curve, throughout the first quarter. Technology continued its leadership in the broader market and our technology positions, including Microsoft and CGI Group, also reported excellent first quarter results. Our Energy book also made a solid contribution during the month although, as mentioned earlier, not as much as the move in underlying crude oil prices would normally imply. The removal of waivers from the Iran sanctions, continued compliance on production cuts from OPEC/Russia and growth in global demand all underpin the higher price for crude oil globally. We believe crude prices can hold in the current range (around US$60 for WTI and US$70 for Brent) with risks of a spike materially higher should the Iran situation spiral out of control.

Finally, we continue to hold a significant hedge book using 2800 on the S&P 500 as a key technical level for support. As the market has moved above 2900 and earnings season wanes, it becomes more difficult to justify much higher prices for the broader index without a meaningful rise in earnings estimates. Although this increase in 2019 estimates may still occur, it will probably take another strong earnings season in Q2 to get us there. In the meanwhile, with earnings season over, the equity market becomes more vulnerable to geopolitical risk (whether Brexit or Iran) and, of course, Trump’s Twitter feed.

Until next month,

The Enhanced Team.

 

1 All returns and fund details are a) based on Class/Series F shares/units; b) net of fees; c) annualized if period is greater than one year; d) as at April 30, 2019; e) inception date for Ninepoint Enhanced Equity Class is 04/16/12. The index for the Ninepoint Enhanced Equity Class; Ninepoint Enhanced Long Short; and Ninepoint Enhanced Long Short RSP is 50% TSX & 50% S&P 500 (CAD) Blended Index and is computed by Ninepoint Partners LP based on publicly available index information. The index for the Ninepoint Enhanced US Equity Class is S&P 500 TR USD and is computed by Ninepoint Partners LP based on publicly available index information.

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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.

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Investment Team

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