Go to fund factsheet

Fund commentary

Aviva Investors Strategic Bond Fund

Quarterly review for the three months to 30 June 2022

Image of Chris Higham

Chris Higham

Fund Manager

Summary

What happened in the market

Fixed income assets were pulled sharply lower by worries about aggressively tighter monetary policy in an environment of surging inflation. Credit spreads widened as inflation fears mounted.

How the fund performed

The fund posted a negative return over the quarter. Amid a turbulent backdrop, relative performance was supported by low duration positioning in April and May. However, exposure to defensive sectors was not as effective as would have been expected.

Looking ahead

The pace of central bank policy tightening and the potential for a recession dominate the shorter-term view. We are hopeful, however, that fixed income has now found a base from which to make gains.

Key facts

Fund managers
Chris Higham since 09/2008,
 James Vokins since 06/2016
Share class inception date
22/09/2008
Fund size (as at 29/07/2022)
GBP 233.1m
Benchmark
Composite Index

Fund overview

Objective: To grow your investment through a combination of income and capital returns, whilst aiming to provide a net return greater than that of the benchmark over the long term (5 years or more) (after charges and taxes). The benchmark (the ""Index"") is a composite index, as detailed in our prospectus.

What happened in the market

The second quarter saw a sharp contraction in global growth, with recession looking an increasing possibility across the major economies. The key catalyst was surging inflation, with underlying factors such as the overhang from years of central bank money printing and a structural shortage of labour being exacerbated by an intensifying energy crisis in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Expectations for a measured normalisation of monetary policy in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis were thrown into disorder by the spike in inflation. Despite the growing prospect of recession, central bank rhetoric around the world became increasingly hawkish, with the US Federal Reserve flagging a series of hikes. The European Central Bank, which had been more cautious in its statements, finally signalled its intention to tighten policy, with a first of a series of interest rate increases being set out for July. The Bank of England raised policy rates in both May and June.
The realisation that inflation was going to get worse before it got better drove losses by government bonds, with longer-dated issues once again suffering in the expectation of further rate hikes. In the corporate bond markets, spreads widened as monetary policy worries were compounded by fears that a recession would lead to credit downgrades. The weakest sectors were leisure in the US, real estate in Europe and subordinated insurance in the UK.

How the fund performed

For the latest Monthly, Cumulative, and Annualised Fund performance data please refer to the PDF factsheet below.

Past performance is not a guide to future performance
Basis: Mid to mid, net income reinvested, net of ongoing charges and fees, in the share class reference currency and net of tax payable by the Fund. For full details of the benchmark please see the PDF factsheet.

The Fund's performance is compared against the one third Bloomberg Treasury G7 Index (GBP hedged), one third Global Aggregate Corporate Index (GBP hedged), and one third Bloomberg Global High Yield Index ex CMBS ex EMG 2% issuer capped (GBP hedged).

The fund posted a negative return in the quarter as fixed income assets suffered losses against the backdrop of inflation and tightening monetary policy. The fund benefited from being positioned with low sensitivity to changes in interest rates and a relatively cautious stance on credit risk. Having a low weighting in real estate was also helpful. However, exposure to defensive sectors such as media, technology and financials was not as effective as had been expected.
 
At the individual security level, the most value was added by the avoidance of the main losers, such as cruise operator Carnival. Of the issues held, pub operator Spirit was the main contributor. The exposure to Cellnex and the financial groups AXA and HSBC were the biggest detractors.

Looking ahead Last updated 30 June 2022

As we enter the third quarter, there is a great deal of discussion about recession risk. Given the potentially toxic combination of supply-side shocks (war, COVID and post-COVID adjustments), real income squeezes from high inflation, tightening financial conditions (mainly because of higher rates), tumbling stock markets and collapsing consumer sentiment, it is understandable why such debates are taking place. 
There will always be a danger, when monetary policy is being tightened, that central banks go too far or too quickly. But in the context of inflation readings over the last year it can legitimately be argued that the policy mistake has been to tighten too late and too little. Whether or not that is true is inconsequential now as they have to deal with the present. The present is all about inflation and if regaining control of that requires bringing about slower demand growth deliberately – especially the case in the US – then so be it. 
There is undoubtedly value in credit but the market remains at the mercy of inflation and associated interest rate volatility which could persist for some time. In the meantime, we expect spreads to be very volatile. Valuations are now particularly supportive and we retain our overweights to hybrids and subordinated financials. However, the threat to gas supplies from Russia gives us caution, especially with respect to the more cyclical industrial credits, to which we are accordingly underweight. 

Risks

Full information on risks applicable to the Fund are in the Prospectus and the Key Investor Information Document (KIID).

Investment and currency risk

The value of an investment and any income from it can go down as well as up and can fluctuate in response to changes in currency exchange rates. Investors may not get back the original amount invested.

Convertible securities risk

Convertible bonds can earn less income than comparable debt securities and less growth than comparable equity securities, and carry a high level of risk.

Credit and interest rate risk

Bond values are affected by changes in interest rates and the bond issuer's creditworthiness. Bonds that offer the potential for a higher income typically have a greater risk of default.

Derivatives risk

Investments can be made in derivatives, which can be complex and highly volatile. Derivatives may not perform as expected, meaning significant losses may be incurred.

Illiquid securities risk

Some investments could be hard to value or to sell at a desired time, or at a price considered to be fair (especially in large quantities).As a result their prices can be volatile.

Documents

Explore all funds

Access key fund documentation and performance reports.

Launch the fund centre View this fund's factsheet

Related Articles

What does the data say? Are we close to 1970’s-style stagflation?

29 Jul 2022

In this month’s instalment of our visual series on topical themes, we look at whether the global economy is heading towards stagflation.

Read more

Buy-and-maintain credit: The long road to net zero

27 Jul 2022

Long-term trends like climate change are particularly important for buy-and-maintain investors. How can they integrate climate objectives, such as net zero by 2050, into their portfolios?

Read more

Convertible bonds: Five questions with David Clott

19 Jul 2022

In the first of a new series, David Clott assesses the key recent developments in the convertible bond market and outlines why this could be an attractive entry point into the asset class with Rico Pedrett.

Read more

Bumpy ride set to continue for credit investors

18 Jul 2022

The co-managers of the Aviva Investors Strategic Bond strategy give their views on the outlook for credit markets following the worst first-half in at least 40 years.

Read more

The AIQ Podcast: Taking stock of nature risk

15 Jul 2022

The idea that human actions are bringing natural systems close to breakdown, threatening livelihoods and financial stability, is making asset managers think harder about nature risk and the environmental dependencies in investee companies.

Read more

EMD: On the bread line

6 Jul 2022

Russia’s war in Ukraine has contributed to soaring food prices, supercharging global inflation. Poorer countries will likely be hardest hit, adding to the risk of social unrest. With public finances and incomes already under strain, emerging-market debt investors should be on high alert.

Read more

Solving the chocolate box problem: The Aviva Investors Strategic Bond Fund

16 Jun 2022

The opacity and wildly differing risk-return profiles of strategic bond funds can be a headache for advisers. We explain how the Aviva Investors Strategic Bond Fund could provide a viable solution.

Read more

Inflation, volatility and default risk: The outlook for high yield

13 Jun 2022

The co-heads of our global high yield team explain how the asset class is standing up to current headwinds.

Read more

Conflict, commodities and China: The outlook for EMD

13 May 2022

Aaron Grehan and Nafez Zouk from our emerging market debt team explain how the asset class is standing up to some significant headwinds.

Read more

Use your influence: Overcoming the challenges of sovereign engagement

21 Apr 2022

We explore the challenges and opportunities for investors engaging with sovereign debt issuers.

Read more

Game over for Zambia? A test case for debt restructuring

12 Apr 2022

The economic fallout from the pandemic has left several poorer nations struggling to repay debt. China, the biggest single creditor to many, could carry considerable clout in negotiations. Zambia will prove an early test case, argues Carmen Altenkirch.

Read more

Game over for Zambia? A test case for debt restructuring

12 Apr 2022

The economic fallout from the pandemic has left several poorer nations struggling to repay debt. China, the biggest single creditor to many, could carry considerable clout in negotiations. Zambia will prove an early test case, argues Carmen Altenkirch.

Read more

What does the data say? Credit in focus

31 Mar 2022

In this month’s instalment of our visual series on topical themes, we look at key trends in the credit market.

Read more

Now for the hard part…..The challenge of delivering net zero

29 Mar 2022

More than one fifth of the world’s largest listed companies have committed to net-zero targets, but few have detailed roadmaps to get there. Mirza Baig considers the challenges for investors managing transition pathways.

Read more

No time for heroes: How portfolio construction can help investors navigate unfamiliar economic and market regimes

22 Mar 2022

We are back in an old, but unfamiliar market regime. In a period where simple playbooks may falter, Jeremy Albers sets out why portfolio construction can make the difference.

Read more

No time for heroes: How portfolio construction can help investors navigate unfamiliar economic and market regimes

22 Mar 2022

We are back in an old, but unfamiliar market regime. In a period where simple playbooks may falter, Jeremy Albers sets out why portfolio construction can make the difference.

Read more

Important information

THIS IS A MARKETING COMMUNICATION

The source for all performance, portfolio and fund breakdown data is Morningstar unless indicated otherwise. All data is as at the date of the Factsheet, unless indicated otherwise.

Unless stated otherwise any opinions expressed are those of Aviva Investors. They should not be viewed as indicating any guarantee of return from an investment managed by Aviva Investors nor as personalised advice of any nature. This document should not be taken as a recommendation or offer by anyone in any jurisdiction in which such an offer is not authorised or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation. Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time without notice and information about specific securities should not be construed as a recommendation to buy or sell any securities.

For further information please read the latest Key Investor Information Document and Supplementary Information Document. The Prospectus and the annual and interim reports are also available on request. Copies in English can be obtained, free of charge from Aviva Investors, PO Box 10410, Chelmsford CM99 2AY. You can also download copies at www.avivainvestors.com

Issued by Aviva Investors UK Fund Services Limited, the Authorised Fund Manager. Registered in England No. 1973412. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Firm Reference No. 119310. Registered address: St Helen’s, 1 Undershaft, London EC3P 3DQ. An Aviva company.

Bloomberg® and one third Bloomberg Treasury G7 Index, one third Bloomberg Global Aggregate Corporate Index, and one third Bloomberg Global High Yield Index ex CMBS ex EMG 2% issuer capped Index (the “Benchmark” or the “Index”) are service marks of Bloomberg Finance L.P. and its affiliates, including Bloomberg Index Services Limited (“BISL”), the administrator of the index (collectively, “Bloomberg”) and have been licensed for use for certain purposes by Aviva Investors. Bloomberg is not affiliated with Aviva Investors and Bloomberg does not approve, endorse, review, or recommend the, Aviva Investors Strategic Bond Fund. Bloomberg does not guarantee the timeliness, accurateness, or completeness of any data or information relating to Aviva Investors Strategic Bond Fund.


All performance figures shown are up to the latest month end unless otherwise stated and are on a total return basis. Up to 05 April 2017, the figures include income reinvested after deducting basic rate income tax. From 06 April 2017, income is reinvested without deducting this tax. This will impact fund performance figures post 06 April 2017.