Investment firm introduces new class units, changes to foreign security exposure, and fee reductions
As part of its ongoing commitment to satisfy investors’ and advisors’ changing needs, Desjardins Investments (DI) has made changes to certain mutual funds.
DI is introducing new class units for the Desjardins Canadian Equity Fund and the Desjardins International Equity Value on October 3, 2022.
In addition to the current class units A, C and F, a new unit class unit W will be introduced to the Desjardins Canadian Equity Fund.
Meanwhile, the Desjardins International Equity Value Fund will supplement its current class units I and W with new class units A, C, F, and D. With the introduction of new class units to the Desjardins International Equity Value Fund, members and clients of DI can expect a complete range of international equity fund offerings.
DI also plans to modify the investment methodologies of the Desjardins Dividend Income Fund and the Desjardins Canadian Equity Income Fund as of October 1, 2022.
The firm is increasing the percentage limit of foreign securities the Desjardins Dividend Income Fund may invest in from 20% to 25%. The Desjardins Canadian Equity Income Fund, meanwhile, will be allowed to hold up to 15% in foreign securities.
The changes will allow the two funds to increase their proportionate exposure to sectors and securities that are less prevalent in Canada, increasing their diversification benefits.
Finally, starting on October 1, DI will lower management fees for some unit classes of 25 Desjardins funds, including the Desjardins Global Total Return Bond Fund (A and C units), the Desjardins Canadian Equity Income Fund (F- and S-class units), and the Desjardins Global Total Return Bond Fund (D-class units).
The magnitude of reductions vary from 3 basis points up to 18 basis points.
