Investment solutions

We believe that only a disciplined investment process—driven by in-house fundamental and quantitative research—can effectively identify and capitalize on temporary misalignments between asset prices and their underlying fundamentals, as well as structural trends and changes in market regimes.

We seize short- and medium-term market opportunities by leveraging quantitative signals and fundamental insights developed by our teams. Our asset allocation process can be tailored to the specific needs of our clients’ portfolios.

Our approach is grounded in developing a deep understanding of the roles different asset classes play within a portfolio and across various market environments, while remaining mindful of our clients’ constraints and objectives. This enables us to determine the most suitable asset allocation for each mandate's specific needs.

We also engage in intelligent risk-taking, believing that superior returns cannot be achieved without assuming risk. We believe the strength of a well-constructed portfolio lies in its exposure to a variety of well-compensated long-term risks and in the way those risks are managed.

Once we determine the allocation across asset classes, we select the appropriate mandates to include in the portfolio for each asset class. At this stage, we implement a diversified mix of approaches to capture the benefits of active management—when clients choose to incorporate it.

• Surplus and reserve management for financial institutions and insurers
• Sub-advisory mandates for investment platforms
• Tailored model portfolios
• Balanced mandates for foundations and other organizations

Our liability-driven investment approach is grounded in a deep understanding of each client’s liability profile, risk tolerance, and long-term objectives.

We begin with a comprehensive analysis of liabilities, capitalization and the institutional client’s goals. During this discovery phase, we work with our clients to ensure that our solutions are fully aligned with their specific objectives and constraints.

Using our proprietary models, we construct a customized LDI benchmark that best reflects the target characteristics of the client’s liabilities. This benchmark serves as a reference for portfolio management and performance evaluation. In a segregated mandate, the portfolio can be managed either using a passive or active management approach.

We maintain ongoing communication with our clients to adjust the strategies as their needs evolve.

We incorporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations where relevant, notably through portfolios aligned with decarbonization pathways consistent with 2050 net-zero targets. This is part of our broader offering of customizable solutions.

In addition to our equity strategies, we manage multi-asset portfolios designed to deliver risk-adjusted returns. Leveraging advanced statistical techniques and a robust technological infrastructure, we ensure precise management of exposures and risks.

• DGAM Global Listed Real Estate Index Fund
• DGAM Global Listed Infrastructure Index Fund
• Hexavest Systematic ESG World Equity Fund
• Hexavest Systematic ESG Emerging Markets Fund

• Desjardins Canadian Equity Index ETF
• Desjardins American Equity Index
•  Desjardins International Equity Index
• Desjardins Emerging Markets Equity Index
•  Desjardins RI Global Multifactor - Fossil Fuel Reserves Free ETF
• Desjardins RI Canada - Net-Zero Emissions Pathway ETF
•  Desjardins RI USA - Net-Zero Emissions Pathway ETF
•  Desjardins Absolute Return Global Equity Markets ETF
•  Desjardins RI Developed ex-USA ex-Canada - Net-Zero Emissions Pathway ETF
•  Desjardins RI Emerging Markets - Net-Zero Emissions Pathway ETF
•  Desjardins RI Canada Multifactor - Net-Zero Emissions Pathway ETF
•  Desjardins RI USA Multifactor - Net-Zero Emissions Pathway ETF
•  Desjardins RI Developed ex-USA ex-Canada Multifactor - Net-Zero Emissions Pathway ETF
•  Desjardins RI Emerging Markets Multifactor - Net-Zero Emissions Pathway ETF

Our index strategies are built on quantitative models designed to minimize tracking error while ensuring compliance with operational and regulatory constraints. Portfolio construction is optimized to accurately reflect underlying benchmarks, with careful consideration of implementation costs.

We also offer customized index portfolios tailored to our clients’ specific goals. These proprietary indices can incorporate sectoral, geographic, or thematic filters, ESG or climate-related constraints, factor tilts, and more.

This approach combines the discipline of passive management with strategic customization, enabling investors to align their exposures with their convictions—while maintaining efficiency and transparency.

Our responsible investing (RI) approach is based on three simple steps that guide what we do before and after we invest:

• Exclusions: We exclude companies involved in the production of unconventional weapons, tobacco, thermal coal mining, or significant coal-based power generation.
• ESG Integration: In addition to financial analysis, we assess companies’ ESG practices using an in-house evaluation methodology inspired by the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) External site. and the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) External site.. Our RI team works closely with portfolio managers at every stage of the process to identify risks and seize emerging opportunities.
• Active Ownership: We implement an engagement program and exercise our voting rights, focusing on our core sustainability priorities. We also actively participate in collaborative initiatives and contribute to research efforts.

• DGAM Canadian Bonds Fossil Fuel Free Fund
• DGAM Sustainable Bond Fund
•  DGAM Canadian Equity Fossil Fuel Free Fund
• Net Zero Trajectory Strategies