American Equity Investment Life Holding Co AEL.N said on Sunday that it entered into a strategic partnership with Brookfield Asset Management Inc BAMa.TO and rejected an unsolicited acquisition proposal from Athene Holding Ltd ATH.N and Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co Oct 19 (Reuters) - Canada's main futures stock index rose on Monday, as firmer gold prices and renewed optimism around a U.S. stimulus agreement before the presidential election lifted sentiment. GOL/ Gold, which has gained over 26% so far this year, tends to benefit from stimulus spending because it's considered a hedge against inflation risks and currency debasement.