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Commentary

Q2 2026 Fund Commentary

Commentary and opinions are provided by Mawer Investment Management Ltd., Mackenzie Financial Corporation, and Portfolio Solutions Group

Market Commentary

Global equities gained over the second quarter of 2026, with MSCI World Index gaining 15.6%, and significantly outperformed global bonds (all returns are in Canadian-dollar terms on a total-return basis). Global equities benefited as concerns surrounding geopolitical tensions in the Middle East eased, allowing investors to refocus on corporate earnings and economic fundamentals. Early in the quarter, conflict in the region raised concerns about global energy supplies and the potential for higher inflation. However, as the risk of a prolonged disruption to oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz diminished, investor sentiment improved. Continued investment in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure remained a key driver of equity market performance, supporting companies across the semiconductor, software and data centre industries.

The U.S. equity market led developed markets, supported by resilient earnings growth and strength in the information technology and industrials sectors. Canadian equities gained 7.0%, benefiting from strong performance in the financials and industrials sectors, although weakness in energy and materials limited broader market gains. EAFE equities posted a solid gain, supported by improving investor confidence and stable economic growth. Emerging markets equities returned 26.1% and outperformed developed markets, with Taiwan and South Korea benefiting from continued demand for AI-related semiconductors and advanced technology hardware.

The FTSE Canada Universe Bond Index posted a total return of 2.0%. Bond markets generated positive returns as lower oil prices reduced concerns about a sustained inflation shock. However, resilient economic data moderated expectations for significant interest rate cuts. Corporate bonds outperformed government bonds as credit spreads narrowed and investor confidence improved. Government bonds posted positive but more modest returns as bond yields remained relatively stable. High-yield and investment-grade corporate bonds both benefited from improving market sentiment and stronger risk appetite.

Global markets demonstrated resilience, recovering quickly from geopolitical uncertainty as investors focused on the longer-term outlook for earnings growth. While immediate concerns surrounding energy markets and inflation eased, several challenges remain. Trade uncertainty, elevated equity valuations and the need for continued earnings growth are likely to remain key themes through the second half of the year. Markets moved beyond the geopolitical shock more quickly than the broader economy, suggesting that investors should remain attentive to evolving economic and market conditions.

Performance

SK Hynix Inc., Kioxia Holdings Corp. and Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. contributed to the Fund’s performance. All three memory chip-related holdings more than doubled during the quarter as demand tied to the building of AI lifted the group.

Security selection in the information technology and consumer discretionary sectors also contributed to performance.

Shell PLC detracted from the Fund’s performance as energy prices retreated from a spike driven by conflict in the Middle East. Defence industry holdings Northrop Grumman Corp., Leonardo SPA and BAE Systems PLC also detracted from performance.

Security selection in the financials and industrials sectors detracted from performance.

An allocation to, and selection in, government bonds contributed to performance.

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (3.65% due 2032/01/13) contributed to performance. The position benefited from coupon income and supportive credit performance, as strong earnings, improved profitability and a solid capital position reinforced confidence in the issuer's debt-servicing capacity.

Dream Industrial REIT (2.539% due 2026/12/07) detracted from performance. The bond's low coupon and short remaining maturity limited return potential relative to the benchmark, despite healthy occupancy, rental growth and lower leverage at the issuer.

Portfolio Activity

The sub-advisor added MediaTek Inc., a chip designer known as one of the world’s largest suppliers of smartphone and consumer-device system-on-chips and a growing design partner in Alphabet Inc.’s TPU AI accelerators. The sub-advisor added Bureau Veritas SA, a leader in testing, inspection and certification whose work includes lab work on food, structural inspections, elevator safety checks and supply-chain audits. In the sub-advisor’s view, it’s a stable business with little cyclicality trading at a reasonable valuation. The sub-advisor added AstraZeneca PLC, a global pharmaceutical company whose growth is supported by a broad phase III pipeline of drugs, meaning no single readout or competitive development should derail the company.

The sub-advisor increased NVIDIA Corp.

The sub-advisor sold Publicis Groupe SA as, like other time-based billing models, AI creates efficiencies that most likely get passed to clients through lower prices and fewer billable hours. The sub-advisor also sold Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. due to valuation concerns and a less favourable view of the company’s ability to drive organic traffic growth.

The sub-advisor reduced SK Hynix Inc., Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. and Marsh & McLennan Cos. Inc. to fund investment in other parts of the AI ecosystem.

Outlook

The third quarter of 2026 begins with markets having moved quickly from crisis pricing to relief pricing, as the immediate risk of a severe energy shock has faded following a fragile U.S.-Iran agreement and reduced concern over prolonged disruption through the Strait of Hormuz. Relief is warranted, but not complacency. Energy systems take time to normalize, with tanker positioning, insurance markets, inventories, production capacity and Qatari natural gas supply still working through the after-effects of the shock. Lower oil prices should help headline inflation and ease some pressure on central banks, but inflation pass-through may still appear with a lag in areas such as airfares, electricity, food and fertilizer. As a result, central banks remain cautious: the Bank of Canada is likely boxed into a hold given weak growth but persistent wage and productivity pressures, while the U.S. economy has not yet made a convincing case for U.S. Federal Reserve Board rate cuts.

Against that macroeconomic backdrop, earnings remain the key source of market validation, and AI continues to dominate the investment narrative. The AI buildout is real, supporting capital spending, semiconductors, data centres, power infrastructure, hardware, software and parts of global trade, particularly in Asia. However, the quality of reported earnings deserves more scrutiny. Some recent earnings strength may reflect unrealized mark-to-market gains on AI-related equity stakes rather than recurring operating profits, creating the risk of a circular feedback loop between public valuations, private valuations and reported earnings. We remain constructive but more selective: favouring U.S. equities while avoiding excessive concentration in the narrowest AI leaders, staying underweight Canada and developed international equities, and maintaining selective exposure to emerging markets tied to the AI supply chain.

Fixed income duration remains useful as a stabilizer. Credit requires caution, and alternatives continue to play an important role in providing diversification, liquidity and flexibility as markets test whether AI strength, lower inflation and easier energy conditions can justify already elevated expectations.

Disclaimer

The commentaries on the company specific information and purchases and sales were provided by the fund manager. Canada Life Investment Management Ltd. will not be liable for any loss, or damages whatsoever, whether directly or indirectly incurred, arising out of the use or misuse of errors or omissions in any information contained in this commentary. The data provided in this commentary is for information purposes only and, except where otherwise indicated, is current as of June 30, 2026.

The views expressed in this commentary are those of fund manager as at the date of publication and are subject to change without notice. This commentary is presented only as a general source of information and is not intended as a solicitation to buy or sell specific investments, nor is it intended to provide tax or legal advice. Prospective investors should review the offering documents relating to any investment carefully before making an investment decision and should ask their Advisor for advice based on their specific circumstances.

The content of this commentary (including facts, views, opinions, recommendations, descriptions of or references to, products or securities) is not to be used or construed as investment advice, as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, or an endorsement, recommendation or sponsorship of any entity or security cited. Although we endeavour to ensure its accuracy and completeness, we assume no responsibility for any reliance upon it.

This document may contain forward-looking information which reflect our or third-party current expectations or forecasts of future events. Forward-looking information is inherently subject to, among other things, risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed herein. These risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, without limitation, general economic, political and market factors, interest and foreign exchange rates, the volatility of equity and capital markets, business competition, technological change, changes in government regulations, changes in tax laws, unexpected judicial or regulatory proceedings and catastrophic events. Please consider these and other factors carefully and not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained herein is current only as of June 30, 2026. There should be no expectation that such information will in all circumstances be updated, supplemented or revised whether as a result of new information, changing circumstances, future events or otherwise.

There can be no assurance that the Fund’s return or volatility targets will be met, or met over any particular time horizon. Targeted returns and volatility should be evaluated over the time period indicated and not over shorter periods. Targeted returns are not actual performance and should not be relied upon as an indication of actual or future performance.

Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the prospectus before investing. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated.

Counsel Portfolios are managed by Canada Life Investment Management Ltd. Counsel Portfolios are distributed by Quadrus Investment Services Ltd., IPC Investment Corporation, and IPC Securities Corporation, and may also be available through other authorized dealers in Canada.