Insights

The fixed income bond market is comprised of different types of debt. Subordinated debt sits at the lower end of the debt stack, just before equity. In case of a default, repayment of subordinated debt will come after the other bond tranches.  This implies that subordinated debt bears a higher risk for investors. Therefore, in return, subordinated debt bonds compensate investors with higher yields. As a result, the asset class offers a compromise in terms of risk and returns, positioning it in the middle of the capital structure, just between equities and senior bond tranches. European banks represent the largest sub-segment of the subordinated debt asset class. This is related to the regulatory framework and its stringent rules in terms of bank capital requirements. Issuing subordinated debt allows banks to increase their capital ratios while at the same time it serves to strengthen their creditworthiness. In 2023, after a turbulent month of March, the subordinated debt market has moved back in the spotlight. The asset class’s valuations have improved, offering an opportunity to gain access to higher yields from subordinated bonds issued generally by investment grade quality signatures. The subordinated debt market is characterised by a strong “euro” bias, resulting from technical factors (European regulatory framework) that favour issuance versus issuing equity to strengthen capital structures. According to Ostrum Asset Management (Ostrum AM), subordinated debt is an instrument which can be used to diversify fixed-income allocations, offering additional yield pick-up. And it can add value to responsible bond allocation as the sustainable subordinated bond market is developing.

Each month we share the conclusions from the monthly strategy investment committee which provides a summary of Ostrum’s views on the economy, strategy and markets. 

The current macroeconomic context is surrounded by some big questions: are we facing a recession? If so, how deep will it be? and how resilient is inflation? For Ostrum AM, it is inflation that will continue to remain the number one “sticky” topic on everyone’s mind. In this environment, what strategies could be considered by investors?  

Each month we share the conclusions from the monthly strategy investment committee which provides a summary of Ostrum’s views on the economy, strategy and markets. 

Focus on the credit market, with Philippe Berthelot, Head of Credit & Money market Since October 2022, we forecasted that 2023 would be an annus mirabilis for fixed income. And as a specialised fixed income asset manager, we were right! So far, 2023 is a marvelous year in general, and for credit in particular.

June was marked by outperformance of ‘high yield’ EM countries and in particular the ‘C’ rated segment compared to investment grade counterparts, as shown in the chart below.

Each month we share the conclusions from the monthly strategy investment committee which provides a summary of Ostrum’s views on the economy, strategy and markets. 

Each month we share the conclusions from the monthly strategy investment committee which provides a summary of Ostrum’s views on the economy, strategy and markets. 

Each month we share the conclusions from the monthly strategy investment committee which provides a summary of Ostrum’s views on the economy, strategy and markets. 

Ostrum AM’s one-stop shop adds value to institutional investors’ pre-trade, trading and post-trade activities

Credit Suisse suffered repeated scandals and governance failures which resulted in a weaker business profile. They struggled for years to get the right management team during which time we saw the franchise weaken.

As yields rebound, investors seek high credit quality and strong SRI credentials Money markets are in a good place, offering low volatility, near zero rate sensitivity and an interesting yield. Amid rising rates and high volatility, money market investments offer investors a sound temporary portfolio solution. Well-resourced teams and rigorous risk control are key to a good risk-return ratio. Active management of interest rates and credit selection increases returns and reduces volatility in net asset values. SRI should be a significant component of asset selection too. Even though money market assets are short-term, long-term SRI issues can impact returns.