Market updates

2023 proved to be a second year where European ABS gave investors the strongest returns in fixed income with the benefit of very low volatility. As risk-free rates grew to what we expect to be the peak, income was maximised whilst the various market pivots on rates came and went in the rear view mirror.

The TwentyFour Advent Calendar is a collection of 24 stats telling the story of fixed income and markets this year. The calendar covers everything from interest-rate rises and record bond issuance to falling house prices and disappearing banks.

While bonds are once again finding their feet, investors have found themselves sitting on cash balances of 30% to 50%. This capital preservation trade has made perfect sense, but does it still make sense as we reach terminal rates?

It is our view that without a doubt 2022 was a year to forget for the bond market. Whether you held government bonds, high end corporate credit or riskier high yield paper, you would have taken a knock as steep increases in interest rates across the globe sent bond prices tumbling. 

After what can only be described as a relatively dire year for fixed income in 2022, during which spiralling inflation led to one of the most aggressive rate hiking cycles on record, we believe the market for bonds is now looking much healthier.

Following a busy quarter in bond markets, a member of our Multi-Sector Bond team reflects on macro events and discusses how our Multi-Sector Bond team have responded.

When Wall Street’s army of analysts were publishing their outlooks for 2023 back in November, there was very little love for Europe.

TwentyFour Partner and Portfolio Manager, Douglas Charleston, describes the developments of the ABS market in Q4 2022.

While European ABS was not immune to negative returns amid the considerable fixed income headwinds of 2022, it gave investors largely what they look to this allocation for – lower volatility and better performance than mainstream bonds.

The TwentyFour Advent Calendar is a collection of 24 stats telling the story of fixed income this year. The calendar covers everything from yields and issuance records to fund flows and inflation figures, and our ESG filter has even ruled out lumps of coal.

With investors caught between inflation and recession, Chris Bowie argues current valuations in short term, investment grade bonds can offer portfolios both downside protection and attractive yields.

TwentyFour Partner and Portfolio Manager, Douglas Charleston, explains how ABS markets have performed in Q3 2022 and provides his outlook for the rest of the year.