CI Investments announced June 16 the launch of the CI Global Longevity Economy Fund. The fund’s strategy is to focus on companies benefiting from changes in consumer behaviour, technology and health care resulting from the trend towards longer, healthier lifespans.

This mandate offers both mutual fund series and an exchange-traded fund (ETF) series. The ETF series trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol LONG. The mandate is offered in mutual fund units in Series A, Series F, Series I and Series P.

CI says it actively manages the fund using insights and research from Dr. Joseph Coughlin, a global expert on demographic change, Founder and Director of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology AgeLab, and author of The Longevity Economy: Unlocking the World's Fastest-Growing, Most Misunderstood Market. 

"Given the broader trends and demographic shifts occurring around the world, we are providing investors with the opportunity to invest directly in companies that are poised to thrive in the longevity economy," said Kurt MacAlpine, Chief Executive Officer of CI Financial Corp., parent company of CI.

"Those over 50 not only account for a growing share of the population, but they have better health, more active lifestyles, greater wealth, and diverse demands. The CI Global Longevity Economy strategy exploits the trends and changes driven by this historically unique cohort of consumers."

CI says potential investment themes include: medical innovations; technologies that allow for aging in place; and the "silver lifestyle" – products and services that accommodate a more active retirement.

Lead Portfolio Manager is Dr. Jeff Elliott, Vice-President, Portfolio Management with Signature Global Asset Management, a division of CI. Dr. Elliott, who brings 17 years of experience as a specialist in health care investing to the role, will be supported by Signature's large team of equity sector specialists and global strategists.