The key characteristic of the fixed income investment process is a focus on a balanced approach. The investment approach is based on:

• Changes in the shape of the yield curve
  
  
• The overall level of interest rates
  
  
• Credit spreads

Investments are made primarily in Government of Canada and provincial debt as well as corporate bond issues rated A and better.

In order to mitigate risk in clients' portfolios we set ranges for each sector and for individual holdings. We are mindful of clients' risk tolerances, and liquidity needs.