Education

Education (advanced)

The ‘spike’ in RMBS arrears – look beyond the headline

Despite the current rise in mortgage arrears resulting from the adjustment to higher interest rates and inflation as monetary policy normalizes, we maintain confidence in the RMBS sector. These instruments usually offer more favorable returns and a consistent income stream compared to standard corporate bonds. Our preference is generally for the safer investment-grade tranches in RMBS transactions, offering lower risk than sub-investment grade options.

Education (basics)

The benefits of diversification

Diversifying fixed income portfolios across different categories such as companies, industries, and countries helps reduce specific risks. Diversification not only lowers risk, but also enhances long-term portfolio performance, drawing on the theory introduced by Nobel laureate Harry Markowitz. A well-diversified bond portfolio can lead to smoother volatility, improved returns, and reduced risk in uncertain economic and market conditions.

Education (advanced)

How to think like a Fixed Income Portfolio Manager

The Deputy Head of Research discusses strategies for maximizing returns in a fixed income portfolio through active trading, emphasizing the importance of understanding bond components, market conditions, and credit risk to enhance portfolio returns. The article highlights the importance of understanding the constituent parts of each bond, such as risk-free rates and credit spreads, and how they contribute to the bond's value. It also emphasizes the significance of considering factors like the shape of the risk-free curve and credit spreads when making buying and selling decisions. By combining knowledge of bond components, market conditions, and credit risk, investors can enhance their fixed income portfolio returns.

Education (advanced)

RMBS - Lets get technical

RMBS transactions are designed to offer a range of risks and returns to suit a number of different investors. This will go from the most senior tranche that has priority over cash flows and the lowest overall risk to the most junior tranche, with equity-like risks and rewards.

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