Commentaries

To say 2025 has been an odd year is an understatement. After a series of years with strong returns, everyone began January with muted expectations. Valuations were high and the prospects for earnings growth were low. However, optimists were quick to remind you that President Trump in his first term would often use the stock […]

Dear Unitholders, The Pender Alternative Arbitrage Fund and the Pender Alternative Arbitrage Plus Fund were 1.0% and 0.8% respectively1 in October 2025 while the HFRI ED: Merger Arbitrage Index (USD) returned 0.1%2. Portfolio Update October saw a flurry of M&A activity allowing the Fund to initiate positions in 18 new merger deals while 16 deals […]

The Pender Partners Fund gained 1.5% in October and 4.5% YTD. The Fund’s all-cap mandate provides the flexibility to capture opportunities across market segments and geographies. As of quarter end, the portfolio comprised of 35 holdings with a 44.8% exposure to US equities and 42.1% exposure to Canadian equities. Top holdings are within Industrials, Technology […]

Market Insights Another month is in the books along with another move to all-time highs for many equity indices. The strength of this bull market really has been impressive, and the fact no one was calling for it makes it even more enjoyable. Like the Blue Jays, the year began with very low expectations, but […]

As we enter the final two months of the year, there has been no shortage of excitement for investors.  The month began with a US government shutdown, which has now ended after becoming the longest in history at 43 days. Despite this headline risk, corporate earnings have been robust — with 64% of S&P 500 […]

Equity markets continued to advance in October, though gains moderated as investors assessed a busy earnings season amid ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty. The Canadian economy continues to lose momentum, weighed down by trade frictions with the United States. Inflation edged higher during the month, while labour market indicators showed further signs of cooling. In response, the […]

Market Environment October was a notable month for US markets. The period began with a government shutdown that surpassed the 35-day record set in 2019. While the shutdown has both direct and indirect implications for the broader US economy, the equity market reaction has been limited, with investors remaining focused on corporate earnings and monetary […]

Dear Unitholders, The Pender Alternative Absolute Return Fund returned -0.3%1 in October, bringing year-to-date returns to 0.7%. October was a choppier month for markets, with weakness early in the month, a bounce in the middle and a weaker tone late in the month following a hawkish turn from the Fed.  The high yield market had […]

The Pender Corporate Bond Fund posted a solid October, returning 2.2%1 within the context of a positive movement for high grade bonds and a neutral market for credit risk assets. The top Fund contributor in October was the successful workout of our position in Beyond Meat Inc., which is discussed in greater detail below. Other […]