MONTREAL, Nov. 6, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - National Bank Investments Inc. (NBI) is announcing today the launch of the NBI SmartBeta Canadian Equity Fund and NBI SmartBeta Global Equity Fund. A key player in the world of mutual funds, NBI is partnering with Rothschild Asset Management Inc. (RAM), the portfolio sub-advisor of the NBI SmartBeta Funds. RAM's innovative Equal Risk Contribution (ERC 2.0) approach represents the latest evolution in a series of advancements in the Smart Beta funds arena. ERC 2.0 aims at optimizing the risk/return of well-known Canadian and global market indices.

"True to our client-centric values and putting into practice our open architecture platform, we forged a new partnership with Rothschild Asset Management, giving Canadian investors access to a unique approach on Smart Beta investing," said Jonathan Durocher, President and Chief Executive Officer of NBI. "As the menu of Smart Beta investment solutions has grown more complex, NBI is simplifying the process by offering a solution that answers to its criteria of excellence. We believe that many investors continuously look to optimize the risk/return relationship of a specific market cap-weighted index. Our SmartBeta solutions will fill a void in the Canadian landscape," added Mr. Durocher.

"Rothschild Asset Management is extremely pleased to bring its cutting-edge Smart Beta solutions to the Canadian market with such a trusted and innovative partner as National Bank Investments," said Jean-Louis Laurens, Global Head of Asset Management at Rothschild & Co. "We look forward to a long and successful strategic partnership delivering on our unique Equal Risk Contribution strategies."

NBI SmartBeta Funds are at the intersection of active and passive investing, allowing rule based decisions and active return. The construction rules differ from traditional market cap-weighted indices as they optimize specific factors to systematically select, weigh and rebalance securities in the portfolios. The strategy aims to equalize risk contribution of index constituents and to maximize risk diversification. The objective of this approach is to add value at three levels:

• Reducing volatility
• Limiting maximum drawdowns and
• Improving the Sharpe ratio.

To find out more about our investment solutions: www.nbcadvisor.com.

About the NBI SmartBeta Funds
The NBI SmartBeta Global Equity Fund and the NBI SmartBeta Canadian Equity Fund (the "Funds") are offered by National Bank Investments Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of National Bank of Canada. Rothschild Asset Management Inc. acts as portfolio sub-advisor for the Funds. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investments in the Funds. Please read the prospectus of the Funds before investing.

The Funds' securities are not insured by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation or by any other government deposit insurer. The Funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.

About National Bank Investments Inc.
National Bank Investments Inc. (NBI) is a wholly owned subsidiary of National Bank of Canada specialized in designing and managing mutual funds and mutual fund portfolios. As at September 30, 2015, the value of assets under management in NBI products amounted to $23.2 billion.

Guided by a 100% open architecture philosophy, NBI is dedicated to providing diverse solutions to meet the evolving needs of its clients. NBI consistently strives to be recognized as a key partner by combining innovation and excellence. NBI is an investment fund management firm committed to offering a broad selection of investment solutions that meet a wide range of investment profiles. NBI's role is not limited to administrative aspects of management; NBI Advisory Services and its registered representatives form a team of specialists who provide information and advice to help investors build portfolios adapted to their financial needs.

About Rothschild Asset Management Inc.
Headquartered in New York, Rothschild Asset Management Inc. manages investments covering a range of US securities including large-cap, small/mid-cap, small-cap, and balanced strategies. The firm manages assets for a broad range of clients including corporations, endowments, foundations, healthcare organizations, high-net-worth investors, public pension funds, sub-advisory and Taft-Hartley plans.

About National Bank of Canada
With $216 billion in assets as at July 31, 2015, National Bank of Canada (www.nbc.ca), together with its subsidiaries, forms one of Canada's leading integrated financial groups. The Bank has more than 20,000 employees and is widely recognized as a top employer. Its securities are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: NA). Follow the Bank's activities via social media and learn more about its extensive community involvement at clearfacts.ca and commitment.nationalbank.ca.

SOURCE National Bank of Canada