A reader is 61 and about to retire. Is this a good fund for him?

Q – I purchased Fiera Capital Equity Growth Fund years ago. Any opinions on this? I am 61 and about to retire. – Wayne D.

A – I would describe this as an average fund at best and one that is higher risk by nature because it focuses on Canadian small- and mid-cap stocks. The track record is spotty. It has a better than average five-year average annual compound rate of return, at 8.5 per cent, but its three-year numbers are weak. It is not a fund I would recommend at this stage of the cycle, as small-cap companies are particularly vulnerable if we have a recession. Since you are about to retire, you may want to consider moving the money to something more conservative. – G.P.

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