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The fund invests in a broad selection of NZ dollar denominated bonds issued by Governments, Government entities, banks and companies, providing investors with a regular income. The fund may experience modest ups and downs in value.
Risk Indicator (volatility)
Target Asset Allocation
This number indicates the relative 'risk' level of this fund based on the types of assets it is invested in, ranging from level 1 (least risky) to 7 (most risky).
| Risk category | Description of volatility |
| 1 | Very low |
| 2 | Low |
| 3 | Medium |
| 4 | Medium to High |
| 5 | High |
| 6 | Very high |
| 7 | Extremely high |
The risk indicators are calculated using returns of the funds, the returns of the fund’s market index or a combination of both, for the previous five years. Index returns or a mix are used if the fund has existed for less than five years. All Managers are required to use the same methodology so you can compare the risk of different funds if you are researching more than one manager.
Ian is a Fixed Income Manager here at Nikko AM. In this video, Ian talks about the NZ Bond Fund and describes what this fund aims to achieve in terms of returns. Ian also explains what sets this fund apart from the rest and why you should consider the NZ Bond Fund for your next investment.
| One month | Three months | One year | Three years (p.a) | Five years (p.a) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fund performance1 | 0.75% | 0.46% | 5.92% | 1.85% | 1.14% |
| Appropriate Market Index (AMI)2 | 0.61% | 0.67% | 5.69% | 1.38% | 0.60% |
AMI (appropriate market index) is a theoretical portfolio with similar underlying assets as the fund. This allows investors to see a comparison of how the value of those assets have changed in the market relative to the fund.
| Security Name | Percentage |
|---|---|
| NZ Government 150534 4.25 Gb | 7.29% |
| NZ Government 2.75% 15/04/2037 | 7.22% |
| NZ Government 150541 1.75 GB | 6.32% |
| New Zealand Government 150535 4.50 Gb | 4.13% |
| Nzlgfa 4.5% 15/05/2030 | 3.76% |
| New Zealand Government 150531 1.50 Gb | 3.43% |
| Rabo 5.31% 05/04/2029 | 2.87% |
| NZ Government Bond 2% 15/05/2032 | 2.72% |
| Housing NZ 1.534% 10/09/2035 | 2.58% |
| Bank Of New Zealand Cash at Call | 2.52% |
Commentary
As of 31 December 2024
Fund Commentary
The fund returned 0.83% for December outperforming its benchmark the Bloomberg Composite which returned 0.61%. Returns for the quarter were fund 0.65%, and benchmark 0.67%. The move in interest rates was the main driver of absolute and relative returns. The fund has a longer duration positioning which had mixed results over the quarter as shorter bonds performed better than longer maturities in terms of interest rates moves. Credit margins have widened slightly (from previously tight levels) with an increase in issuance, but a gradual widening should benefit returns through a higher yield over the medium term. The fund holds an increased weighting to NZ government bonds as these have become cheap relative to swap with margins expanding as a function of greater supply. Over the quarter the fund had inflows, and we reduced the longer duration positioning in view of offshore moves remaining unhelpful with yield curves steepening.
We continue to favour adding quality credit to maintain a higher fund yield which has proved a consistent value add over time. We expect bonds can continue to perform well as cash rates are moved lower. The upward sloping yield curve will provide the fund with opportunity to execute a carry and roll strategy which should provide an additional contribution to future returns.