Single Sector Fund

Nikko AM NZ Corporate Bond Fund

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About the fund

The fund invests in a  selection of NZ dollar denominated bonds issued by banks and companies, providing investors with a regular income. The fund may experience modest ups and downs in value. 

Risk Indicator (volatility)

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3 Medium
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7

Target Asset Allocation

Income 100.00%

Find out more about the Corporate Bond Fund from Fergus McDonald

Fergus is the head of Bonds and Currency at Nikko AM. In this video, he explains what an average day in his job looks like, what he's trying to achieve with this portfolio, and what he see's as a good investment. Fergus also talks us through the investment process and outlines the main reasons why you should consider the Corporate Bond Fund for your next investment.

Commentary

As of 31 January 2025

Market Overview

  • There is considerable uncertainty starting 2025: Trump, tariffs, immigration, could a strong US turn, weaker China.
  • Bond returns were muted for January as interest rates finished modestly higher.
  • The yield curve remains steep and should garner investor interest at some stage with longer government bond yields around 5%.
  • The issuance calendar is usually slow to start in NZ; ANZ will issue a 5-year deal, and the DMO has announced a tap of the 2035 government bond maturity.

Fund Commentary

The fund returned -0.10% for January underperforming its benchmark the Bloomberg Credit Index which returned 0.06%.

The move higher in interest rates was the main driver of absolute and relative returns over the month. The longer duration position was unhelpful as both government and swap rates were higher, and swap rates had larger moves higher in yield than government bonds. Credit margins were stable and we still favour a higher yield through quality credit. The new issuance year is generally slow to start in NZ but ANZ will issue a 5-year bond early February which should receive good demand at a similar level to last year’s marks. We expect bonds can continue to perform well as cash rates are moved lower and investors seek value further along the curve. We reduced the fund’s longer duration position last quarter but still maintain a longer position as we believe a steep yield curve will remain, and expect carry and roll will support returns over the medium term.

Performance

Nikko AM Investment Scheme
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Performance

at 31 January 2025
One month Three months One year Three years (p.a) Five years (p.a)
Fund performance1 -0.17% 1.49% 7.15% 3.38% 1.91%
Appropriate Market Index (AMI)2 0.06% 1.47% 7.67% 3.83% 2.30%
  1. Returns are before tax and after the deduction of fees and expenses and including tax credits (if any).
  2. AMI: Bloomberg NZBond Credit 0+ year Index.

5 year cumulative performance $10,000 invested

Top 10 Holdings

Security Name Percentage
Housing NZ 1.534% 10/09/2035 3.91%
NZ Local Govt Funding Agency 150437 2.00 GB 3.41%
Insurance Australia Group Ltd 150628 5.32 Cb 3.21%
NZLGFA 3% 15/05/2035 3.01%
Westpac New Zealand Ltd 160932 6.19 Cb 2.88%
Housing NZ 3.42% 18/10/2028 2.66%
Dunedin City Treasury 101033 4.966 Lb 2.59%
Chorus Ltd 4.35% 06/12/2028 2.32%
Westpac New Zealand Ltd 140234 6.73 Cb 2.26%
Air New Zealand Ltd Sydney Branch 250529 6.50 Cb 2.25%
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