Scotia Cassels' international equity investment approach emphasizes companies that have strong earnings growth potential and shareholder-oriented management, for which the shares are reasonably priced. The focus is on large-capitalization companies, industry leaders and niche players.

The investment approach is three-staged:

• Country assessment.
  
   
• Identification of secular themes and sectors, which should outperform. 
  
  
• Selection of stocks on strong companies.  

Currency hedging is employed where guidelines permit, only on a strategic basis, and to minimize currency risk.