Featured

Credit ratings are important indicators of risk and return in fixed income markets. They give investors an indication of the perceived future risk they are taking and measure the perceived risk of future failure to pay promised income or capital at maturity. A high credit rating, in the AAA, AA or...

In a market where risks have risen, diversifying within asset classes, particularly defensive asset classes, is just as important as having a sound mix of growth and defensive assets, writes Justin Tyler, Director, Daintree Capital. Diversification is a central strategy used by asset allocators to lower a portfolio’s risk and...

Gold has been having a dream run, performing exactly as it should in stressed markets. The yellow metal is up around 30 per cent in six months (even allowing for a mid-week swoon on the back of profit-taking ). Six months ago it was trading at US$1,474 per ounce -...

The COVID-19 pandemic upended financial markets and delivered an enormous shock to the global economy. It forced a rapid transition from late cycle into the downturn phase of the global credit cycle. Here, U.S.-based, Loomis Sayles & Company shares its analysis of the credit cycle and key factors they’re...

Despite very low interest rates and volatile markets, there were still four fixed income ETFs that returned over 5% in the 12 months to 30 June 2020. Surprisingly, there were 12 funds that earned over 4% over the year. All four funds had global exposure and three of the four...

Socially conscious investors have been putting their money where their mouths are and starting a wave of investments in companies and funds that follow environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria.  These criteria measure how a company performs as a steward of nature; manages its relationships with employees, suppliers, customers and...

A new digital portal dedicated to providing personal investors and advisors with news, education and insights about Australia's $1.5 trillion fixed income sector will include the country's first free, independent database of fixed income ETFs and managed funds. Fixed Income News Australia (fixedincomenews.com.au) is a joint venture between Australia's leading...

As published in The Weekend Australian on 26 June 2020 In the frenzied final days of the sale of Virgin Australia, more than 5000 local bond investors suddenly found themselves centre stage. The surprise departure of Cyrus Capital meant that for a very short time there were two remaining bidders for...

Professional fixed income investors are increasingly turning their attention to emerging markets as they chase more attractive yields and greater diversification, according a new survey by Invesco. The third annual Invesco Global Fixed Income Study captures the views 159 CIOs and fixed income asset owners globally with combined AUM totalling...

The Federal Government has launched an inquiry to investigate ways to expand the corporate bond market in Australia and provide mum and dad investors with easier, cheaper access to debt securities. The Committee will consider the tax treatment of corporate bonds as well as the Corporations Act 2001 to determine...