Rising interest rates in the past year have put downward pressure on bond prices, which move in the opposite direction to yields
Portfolio managers of precious metals funds hope gold will shine again and prove its value as a portfolio diversifier
The outlook is strong for multi-family residential properties, which are benefiting from rising demand and short supply
The feared consequences of trade wars have taken the steam out of international equities markets in 2018
Portfolio managers face a narrow mandate, but they can diversify across industries such as precious metals and forest products
Rising interest rates, uncertainty about NAFTA and rumblings of trade wars haven't dampened optimism about U.S. stocks
China, India and other Asian countries are benefiting from expanding middle classes and increased domestic consumption
Yield-focused active strategies did well last year
The worst-performing fund indices were precious metals equity, natural resources equity and energy equity
Better-performing funds in the sector have bypassed Canadian stocks and sought opportunities in the U.S. and Europe