Fidelity's Jurrien Timmer to focus on Fidelity's global asset allocation strategies

TORONTO, May 1, 2014 /CNW/ - Fidelity Investments Canada ULC (Fidelity Canada) today announced that, effective May 1, 2014, noted market strategist Jurrien Timmer will relinquish his portfolio management responsibilities on Fidelity Tactical Strategies Fund to focus on developing macro-economic, technical and quantitative analysis to support Fidelity's overall global asset allocation research effort.    

Concurrent with this change, Fidelity Canada is pleased to announce that, effective May 1, 2014, experienced Fidelity portfolio managers Christopher (Chris) Sharpe and Ruben Calderon will be assuming portfolio management responsibilities for Fidelity Tactical Strategies Fund from Timmer and current co-portfolio manager Andrew Dierdorf. 

Timmer will continue in his role as director of Global Macro for Fidelity's Global Asset Allocation division, which manages approximately $520 billion in assets (as of March 31, 2014).   Along with his work on portfolio analysis and investment strategies, Timmer will continue to help develop and deliver Fidelity's thought leadership on timely global economic and market issues, both to clients and news media.   Timmer is a regular commentator on numerous news programs as well as in leading news publications around the world.   

"Jurrien is one of Fidelity's preeminent thought leaders on macro-economic trends and asset allocation strategies and his insights will continue to be a valuable input into asset allocation decisions across the Fidelity organization," said Rob Strickland, president, Fidelity Canada.  

Canadian investors will recognize Chris Sharpe as he has previously managed a number of Fidelity Canada's asset allocation products.  He joined Fidelity in 2002 as an asset allocation director and was promoted to portfolio manager in 2005. He also manages a number of funds available to U.S. investors. 

Ruben Calderon joined Fidelity in 1995 as a Latin American technical analyst.   Over the years, he expanded his responsibilities to include managing asset allocation strategies including the Fidelity Global Balanced Fund available to U.S. investors in 2005. Prior to joining Fidelity, Ruben was with the Bank Credit Analyst Research Group in Montreal, Quebec. 

Andrew Dierdorf, who has been a part of Fidelity's target date investment team for nearly 10 years, will continue as lead portfolio manager for Fidelity's $223.6 billion (as of Feb 28, 2014) target date portfolios in Canada and U.S. 

About Fidelity Investments

Fidelity Investments Canada ULC is part of the Fidelity Investments organization of Boston, one of the world's largest providers of financial services. Recipient of the 2013 Morningstar Advisors' Choice Fund Company of the Year, Fidelity Canada manages a total of $90 billion in mutual fund and institutional assets. This includes $18 billion in assets for institutional clients including public and corporate defined benefit pension plans, endowments, foundations and other corporate assets on behalf of clients across Canada as at April 30, 2014.

Fidelity Canada provides Canadian investors a full range of domestic, international and income oriented mutual funds, as well as asset allocation and managed solutions and the high net worth program, the Fidelity Private Investment Program. Fidelity funds are available through a number of advice-based distribution channels including financial planners, investment dealers, banks, and insurance companies. Fidelity is a proud supporter of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada and we are dedicated to helping young Canadians realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.

SOURCE: Fidelity Investments Canada Limited

Chris Pepper, Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Office: 416-307-5388, Mobile: [phone], Email: [email protected]