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Quarterly Aviator Portfolios® update

What happened in financial markets during Q1 2025?

Stock and bond markets*

INDEX CLOSE Q1
S&P/TSX Composite 24,917.50 0.77%
Dow Jones Industrial Average 42,001.76 -1.28%
S&P 500 Index 5,611.85 -4.59%
NASDAQ Composite 17,299.29 -10.42%
10-year Canadian Bond Yield 2.97% -0.26%
10-year U.S. Treasury Yield 4.23% -0.35%
WTI Crude Oil (US$/barrel) $71.48 -0.33%
Canadian Dollar US$0.6950 -0.03%
Bank of Canada Prime Rate 4.95%

*Performance ending March 31, 2025. Sources: Bloomberg.

Read Investment Update weekly for the latest information on the financial markets, insights around current headlines, special reports, and more.

How Aviator Portfolios® performed during Q1 2025

All three portfolios within Aviator Portfolios® ended with modest positive returns in Q1, with income segments outperforming growth. From an overall market perspective, so far in 2025 there has been a reversal from the dominant U.S. equity returns we saw in the final months of Q4, 2024. U.S. stocks saw a sharp selloff beginning in February when the uncertainty around tariffs and a potential trade war became a reality. The aggressive stance on international trade by the U.S. government weighed on growth forecasts for American-based businesses. That resulted in equity prices declining through the second half of the quarter. International equities had a stronger quarter relative to U.S. equities, and fixed income had a positive quarter across most markets globally. supported by central banks interest-rate cuts and a flight to quality amidst uncertainty in the equity market.

 

Note: Rates of return for each portfolio are provided on an after-fees (net) basis. Given that fees are only applied at the portfolio level, all references to underlying fund performance are before fees (gross).

Co-operators Aviator® Income Plus Portfolio: low risk

Designed to achieve interest income, and the preservation and moderate growth of capital, with low levels of volatility.

The Co-operators Commercial Mortgage Fund was one of the best performing underlying funds within the portfolio. It has the third largest portfolio weighting and contributed five basis points of active return. Commercial mortgage exposure is a unique asset class that provides diversification and income to the portfolio during uncertain times. The Co-operators Templeton Global Bond Fund made up the largest amount of active return contribution to the portfolio at nine basis points. Currency exposure and duration exposure were contributors to the fund’s relative outperformance. Central banks lowering interest rates, overweight duration in Brazil and Mexico, and underweight duration in Japan also contributed to the active return.

aviator-income-plus-portfolio-investment-segmentation-pie-chart
Investment Segmentation
  • Canadian Fixed Income 61.30%
  • Canadian Equity 16.72%
  • Foreign Fixed Income 9.42%
  • Cash & Other Net Assets 5.40%
  • U.S. Equity 4.95%
  • International Equity 2.21%
Rates of Return
Series 100
Guarantee Level Q1 1 year 3 year 5 year Since inception
Dec. 2, 2019
75-75 1.43% 7.67% 3.37% 4.12% 2.63%
75-100 1.39% 7.49% 3.20% 3.95% 2.46%
Rates of Return
Series 500
Guarantee Level Q1 1 year 3 year 5 year Since inception
Oct. 2, 2017
75-75 1.49% 7.91% 3.60% 4.35% 2.75%
75-100 1.45% 7.73% 3.43% 4.18% 2.58%
Top 10 holdings
Co-operators Corporate Bond Fund 25.08%
Co-operators Canadian Fixed Income Fund 20.10%
Co-operators Commercial Mortgage Fund 15.00%
Co-operators Preferred Share Equity Fund 10.01%
Co-operators Global Equity Fund 7.38%
Co-operators Templeton Global Bond Fund
5.03%
Co-operators Franklin Canadian Short Term Bond Fund 5.00%
Co-operators Brandywine U.S. High Yield Fund
4.97%
Co-operators ClearBridge Canadian Equity Fund 4.96%
Co-operators Concentrated Canadian Equity Fund 2.47%
The top 10 investments make up 100.00% of the fund.
Total number of investments: 10

Co-operators Aviator® Diversified Portfolio: low to moderate risk

Designed to achieve both interest income and capital growth, with modest levels of volatility.

The Co-operators Concentrated Canadian Equity Fund delivered the largest active return contribution to the portfolio with fifteen basis points of relative outperformance. It makes up 12.5% of the portfolio, which is tied for the second largest weighting. Despite a small 2.5% portfolio weighting, the Co-operators Templeton Emerging Markets Fund added nine basis points of relative outperformance. Sectors that contributed to the outperformance included information technology, consumer discretionary, and health care. One of the top holdings, Alibaba Group was a large contributor of active return at the security level with a +50% gain throughout the quarter.

aviator-diversified-portfolio-investment-segmentation-Pie-Chart
Investment Segmentation
  • Canadian Equity 29.08%
  • Canadian Fixed Income 28.86%
  • U.S. Equity 18.85%
  • Foreign Fixed Income 10.27%
  • International Equity 7.55%
  • Cash & Other Net Assets 5.39%
Rates of Return
Series 100
Guarantee Level Q1 1 year 3 year 5 year Since inception
Dec. 2, 2019
75-75 0.57% 8.35% 4.24% 7.76% 4.64%
75-100 0.53% 8.17% 4.07% 7.58% 4.44%
Rates of Return
Series 500
Guarantee Level Q1 1 year 3 year 5 year Since inception
Oct. 2, 2017
75-75 0.63% 8.59% 4.47% 7.99% 4.22%
75-100 0.58% 8.41% 4.29% 7.81% 4.05%
Top 10 holdings
Co-operators Canadian Fixed Income Fund 17.68%
Co-operators Commercial Mortgage Fund
12.56%
Co-operators Concentrated Canadian Equity Fund
12.43%
Co-operators Global Equity Fund
12.36%
Co-operators Preferred Share Equity Fund 10.06%
Co-operators Brandywine U.S. High Yield Fund
7.49%
Co-operators ClearBridge Canadian Equity Fund 7.48%
Co-operators Small-Cap U.S. Equity Index Fund
7.37%
Co-operators Fidelity Global Real Estate Fund
5.06%
Co-operators Templeton Global Bond Fund
5.05%
The top 10 investments make up 97.54% of the fund.
Total number of investments: 11

Co-operators Aviator® Growth Portfolio: moderate risk

Designed to achieve long-term capital growth, with some interest income.

The Co-operators Concentrated Canadian Equity Fund, with the second largest portfolio weighting at 13%, added sixteen basis points of active return contribution. One of the main positive exposures for this fund was the allocation towards gold mining companies such as Agnico Eagle Mines, Wheaton Precious Metals, and Alamos Gold. Gold had a strong return in Q1, rising just under 20%. The Co-operators Small Cap U.S. Equity Fund was a drag on the absolute return after a weak quarter for U.S. equities. With a 10% portfolio weighting, the underlying fund detracted just under 1% from the portfolio’s absolute return. The movement in this fund is appropriate given the market conditions with the higher beta versus the large cap U.S. equity index of the S&P 500.

aviator-growth-portfolio-investment-segmentation-pie-chart
Investment Segmentation
  • Canadian Equity 29.91%
  • U.S. Equity 27.91%
  • Canadian Fixed Income 13.17%
  • Foreign Fixed Income 12.49%
  • International Equity 11.62%
  • Cash & Other Net Assets 4.90%
Rates of Return
Series 100
Guarantee Level Q1 1 year 3 year 5 year Since inception
Dec. 2, 2019
75-75 0.07% 8.25% 4.57% 9.14% 5.26%
75-100 0.03% 8.07% 4.40% 8.95% 5.05%
Rates of Return
Series 500
Guarantee Level Q1 1 year 3 year 5 year Since inception
Oct. 2, 2017
75-75 0.12% 8.49% 4.80% 9.37% 4.61%
75-100 0.08% 8.31% 4.63% 9.19% 4.44%
Top 10 holdings
Co-operators Global Equity Fund 17.35%
Co-operators Concentrated Canadian Equity Fund 12.96%
Co-operators Fidelity Global Real Estate Fund
10.14%
Co-operators Brandywine U.S. High Yield Fund
10.01%
Co-operators ClearBridge Canadian Equity Fund
9.99%
Co-operators Small-Cap U.S. Equity Index Fund
9.85%
Co-operators Commercial Mortgage Fund 8.56%
Co-operators Preferred Share Equity Fund 7.56%
Co-operators Templeton Global Bond Fund 5.07%
Co-operators Corporate Bond Fund
5.05%
The top 10 investments make up 96.54% of the fund.
Total number of investments: 11

Key take-aways

Inflation ticked up through the first three months of the year and consumer price index (CPI) data, the Bank of Canada’s main inflation gauge, continues to be closely monitored by policy-makers. CPI was especially volatile in the weeks surrounding the GST/HST tax holiday which affected the price of many goods. It’s likely that Canadians will see a similar swing in fuel prices following the elimination of the federal carbon tax on April 1. Uncertainty surrounding tariffs and trade policy with the U.S. might also put upward pressure on prices in the coming months.

Moving forward, it’s going to be a tough balancing act for central bankers as they monitor potential inflationary spikes, against the subsequent economic slowdown with lower consumer spending and unpredictable business activity.

Avoid trying to time the market. Professional fund managers look to maximize investment opportunities when markets go up and minimize losses when markets go down. While they’re not specifically “timing” the market, they are making real-time decisions, based on current economic conditions and long-term market prospects. Sudden moves, like pulling your investments out of the market, could work against your long-term interests. Investing – and staying invested – is the best way to capitalize on market recoveries. If you have questions, a Co-operators financial representative can help.

Interested in more tips and insights? Check out our Market View page for investment basics and weekly updates on market performance. You can even sign-up to have this news sent directly to your inbox.


Sales charges, expenses, and other fees

Fees and expenses reduce the return on your investment. For details, please refer to your Policy and Information Folder.

Current rates of return are available on our Segregated Fund Performance page. Your personal rate of return will vary, depending on the contributions and withdrawals you make over time. For details, please refer to your Policy Statement.

If you have questions about your investments, contact your Co-operators financial representative.


Aviator Portfolios® are a secure and diversified investment option

Co-operators Aviator Portfolios® – expertly designed and constructed by the highly regarded investment managers at Addenda Capital® and Franklin Templeton® – provide investors with broader diversification opportunities.

Each of the three distinct Aviator Portfolios® funds brings an opportunity to invest your hard-earned savings alongside some of Canada’s largest institutional clients, including pension funds, foundations, endowments, governments and corporations.

Aviator Portfolios® provide both regional and risk diversification, including exposure to unique asset classes, such as commercial mortgages, preferred shares and high-yield bonds, all of which behave differently than stocks.



Segregated funds and annuities are administered by Co-operators Life Insurance Company. Not all products are available in all provinces.

© 2025 Co-operators Life Insurance Company.
1900 Albert St., Regina, SK S4P 4K8
1-800-454-8061
www.cooperators.ca


The information contained in this communication was obtained from sources believed to be reliable; however, we cannot guarantee that it is accurate or complete. This communication is provided as a general source of information and should not be considered personal investment advice or solicitation to buy or sell any investment. Co-operators is committed to protecting the privacy, confidentiality, accuracy and security of the personal information that we collect, use, retain and disclose in the course of conducting our business. Please refer to our privacy policy for more information. Co-operators® is a registered trademark of The Co-operators Group Limited. Co-operators®, Aviator Portfolios®, and Co-operators Aviator® are registered trademarks of Co-operators Group Limited and are used with permission. Investing in your future. Together. TM is a trademark of Co-operators Group Limited. Addenda Capital® is a registered trademark of Addenda Capital Inc. and is used with permission. Franklin, Templeton and Franklin Templeton® are registered trademarks of Franklin Templeton Investments Corp. and are used with permission. ClearBridge Investments and Brandywine Global are Franklin Templeton affiliated companies. Aviator Portfolios® and Co-operators Aviator® are investment products offered by Co-operators Life Insurance Company, which may include features or options such as segregated funds, portfolios of segregated funds or guaranteed rates. Guaranteed benefits are payable upon death or upon maturity (reduced proportionately by withdrawals from, or investment transfers out of, the segregated funds). No guarantee is provided upon surrender or cancellation. Subject to any applicable death and maturity guarantee, any part of the premium or other amount that is allocated to a segregated fund is invested at the risk of the policyholder and may increase or decrease in value.

Returns, investment segmentation and top holdings as of March 31, 2025. Rates of return for periods less than one year are simple rates of return. All others are annualized rates of return. Securities regulations do not allow us to report performance for a fund that has been available for less than one year. The returns reflect changes in unit value and assume that all income/realized net gains are retained by the segregated fund in the periods indicated and are reflected in higher unit values of the fund. The returns do not take into account sales, redemption, distribution or other optional charges or income taxes payable that would have reduced returns or performance. Past performance of any fund is not necessarily indicative of its future performance.

If you have questions or want to discuss your investments, please contact your authorized financial representative.

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