Finding attractive income in 2022

Teiki Benveniste

Ares Australia Management

In the current market environment, investors are faced with the challenge of finding attractive current income solutions that offer protection from rising interest rate risk, particularly as many traditional fixed income strategies (proxy: Bloomberg Barclays Global Agg) have suffered negative monthly returns in recent months. Meanwhile, the potential for bouts of volatility is increasing amid rising inflation concerns. To solve for this conundrum, we seek to unearth investment solutions offering higher yields and diversification for Australian investors within the defensive part of their portfolios, and what we view as the more senior, high quality segments of the corporate debt and alternative credit markets; we call it the “sweet spot” of credit. 

This encompasses a $5.7 trillion(1) opportunity set across U.S. and European loans, corporate bonds, and alternative credit markets.

Importantly, we believe a dynamic, flexible approach to investing in the “sweet spot” of credit offers:

  1. Strong diversification benefits due to varying risk return profiles and low correlation to traditional fixed income and equities
  2. Opportunity to generate alpha while mitigating risk by shifting targeted exposures through active portfolio management as value shifts between markets can generate attractive entry points into each asset class

To illustrate the challenges that traditional fixed income investors are facing today, as well as the relative value opportunities available in the corporate debt and alternative credit markets, Chart 1 plots the current yield against interest rate duration for various fixed income asset classes. The size of the bubbles represents the market value of each asset class.

Chart 1: Bank Loan Opportunity: Attractive Yield Amid Rising Duration Risk

Note: For illustrative purposes only. Sources: ICE BofA High U.S. High Yield Constrained Index (YTW), Credit Suisse Leveraged Loan Index (3yr Yield); ICE BofA European High Yield Constrained Index (YTW); Credit Suisse Western European Leveraged Loan Index (3yr Yield); ICE BofA Emerging Markets Diversified Corporate Index; Barclays U.S. Corporate Index; ICE BofA U.S. Insured Bond Municipal Securities Index; ICE BofA U.S. Mortgage-Backed Securities Index. As of October 31, 2021. The 3.6% projected inflation estimate is represented by Bloomberg’s forecasted 2022 CPI YOY Change. Please see endnotes for Index Definitions and an important index disclosure.

With the outlook of a low default and higher rate environment ahead, we believe certain higher beta, floating rate instruments, specifically bank loans and CLO debt securities, screen attractive from a relative value perspective as they provide high levels of current income and low duration of less than one year. In a rising rate environment, the coupon of floating rate assets adjusts to shifts in short-term interest rates, and as a result, these assets exhibit lower price volatility relative to fixed rated securities.

Active allocation has proven paramount in successfully navigating the volatile market environment during 2020 and remains critical to unlocking value, particularly as market conditions evolve heading into the end of 2021 and early 2022.

Looking forward, while we anticipate increased price volatility and dispersion in the credit markets as interest rates and inflation remain at the forefront of policy decision making, we view bank loans and CLO debt securities as attractive allocations within fixed income as we expect retail and institutional demand to remain robust. Additionally, we believe valuations will be supported by strong fundamentals and improving credit metrics, low default expectations and robust capital markets.

In summary, as investors seek attractive income solutions in today’s market environment, many may struggle to determine how best to position their credit exposure in order to maximize yield and mitigate risk. By accessing the “sweet spot” of credit, comprised of corporate debt and alternative credit asset classes, we believe investors can overcome these challenges. At Ares, our differentiated approach to capitalizing on the best risk-adjusted return opportunities across the investable universe is rooted in the scale and integration of our Global Liquid and Alternative Credit strategies, which allows us to fully leverage extensive research capabilities, proprietary technologies and longstanding relationships.

Learn more

At Ares, our differentiated approach to capitalizing on the best risk-adjusted return opportunities across the investable universe is rooted in the scale and integration of our Global Liquid and Alternative Credit strategies. Discover more using the links below.

Managed Fund
Ares Global Credit Income Fund
Global Fixed Income
Funds
Harnessing the $5 trillion income opportunity

Footnotes 

(1) As of September 30, 2021. Assumes a 1.16 EUR/USD exchange rate where applicable. Sources: Credit Suisse Leveraged Loan Index, Credit Suisse Western European Leveraged Loan Index, ICE BofA US High Yield Index, ICE BofA European Currency High Yield Constrained Index, Bank of America Research (CMBS Non-Agency), Ares INsight database, and Intex.


........
Index Disclosure: Indices are provided for illustrative purposes only and not indicative of any investment. They have not been selected to represent appropriate benchmarks or targets for the strategy. Rather, the indices shown are provided solely to illustrate the performance of well known and widely recognized indices. Any comparisons herein of the investment performance of a strategy to an index are qualified as follows: (i) the volatility of such index will likely be materially different from that of the strategy; (ii) such index will, in many cases, employ different investment guidelines and criteria than the strategy and, therefore, holdings in such strategy will differ significantly from holdings of the securities that comprise such index and such strategy may invest in different asset classes altogether from the illustrative index, which may materially impact the performance of the strategy relative to the index; and (iii) the performance of such index is disclosed solely to allow for comparison on the referenced strategy's performance to that of a well known index. Comparisons to indices have limitations because indices have risk profiles, volatility, asset composition and other material characteristics that will differ from the strategy. The indices do not reflect the deduction of fees or expenses. You cannot invest directly in an index. No representation is being made as to the risk profile of any benchmark or index relative to the risk profile of the strategy presented herein. There can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance , or be suitable for a portfolio. The information related to the various indices is sourced from the providers’ websites. Ares is not responsible for any historic revision made to the indices. The Credit Suisse Western European Leveraged Loan Index (“CSWELLI”) is designed to mirror the investable universe of the leveraged loan market of issues which are denominated in US$ or Western European currencies. The issuer has assets located in or revenues derived from Western Europe, or the loan represents assets in Western Europe, such as a loan denominated in a Western European currency. Loan facilities must be rated “5B” or lower. That is, the highest Moody’s/S&P ratings are Baa1/BB+ or Ba1/BBB+. Only fully funded term loan facilities are included and the tenor must be at least one year. Minimum outstanding balance is $100 million and new loans must be priced by a third-party vendor at month-end. The index inception is January 1998. The Credit Suisse Institutional Leveraged Loan Index (“CSLLI”) is designed to mirror the investable universe of the $US-denominated leveraged loan market. The index inception is January 1992. The index frequency is daily, weekly and monthly. New loans are added to the index on their effective date if they qualify according to the following criteria: 1) Loan facilities must be rated “5B” or lower. That is, the highest Moody’s/S&P ratings are Baa1/BB+ or Ba1/BBB+. If unrated, the initial spread level must be Libor plus 125 basis points or higher. 2) Only fully-funded term loan facilities are included. 3) The tenor must be at least one year. 4) Issuers must be domiciled in developed countries; issuers from developing countries are excluded. The BofA US High Yield Master II Constrained Index (“HUC0”) tracks the performance of US Dollar denominated below investment grade corporate debt publicly issued in the US domestic market with a maximum issuer exposure of 2%. The returns of the benchmark are provided to represent the investment environment existing during the time period shown. For comparison purposes the index includes the reinvestment of income and other earnings but does not include any transaction costs, management fees or other costs. BANK OF AMERICA IS LICENSING THE ICE BofA INDICES AND RELATED DATA “AS IS,” MAKES NO WARRANTIES REGARDING SAME, DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE SUITABILITY, QUALITY, ACCURACY, TIMELINESS, AND/OR COMPLETENESS OF THE ICE BofA INDICES OR ANY DATA INCLUDED IN, RELATED TO, OR DERIVED THEREFROM, ASSUMES NO LIABILITY IN CONNECTION WITH THEIR USE, AND DOES NOT SPONSOR, ENDORSE, OR RECOMMEND ARES MANAGEMENT, OR ANY OF ITS PRODUCTS OR SERVICES. ICE BofA European Currency High Yield Index (“HP00”) tracks the performance of EUR and GBP denominated below investment grade corporate debt publicly issued in the eurobond, sterling domestic or euro domestic markets. Qualifying securities must have a below investment grade rating (based on an average of Moody’s, S&P and Fitch) and an investment grade rated country of risk (based on an average of Moody’s, S&P and Fitch foreign currency long term sovereign debt ratings). In addition, qualifying securities must have at least one year remaining term to final maturity, a fixed coupon schedule and a minimum amount outstanding of EUR 100 million or GBP 50 million. Original issue zero coupon bonds, "global" securities (debt issued simultaneously in the eurobond and domestic markets), 144a securities and pay-in-kind securities, including toggle notes, qualify for inclusion in the Index. Callable perpetual securities qualify provided they are at least one year from the first call date. Fixed-to-floating rate securities also qualify provided they are callable within the fixed rate period and are at least one year from the last call prior to the date the bond transitions from a fixed to a floating rate security. Defaulted, warrant-bearing and euro legacy currency securities are excluded from the Index. Inception date: December 31, 1997 The above rules take into account all revisions up to and including December 31, 2010. The Bloomberg Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (“Barclays Agg”) measures the performance of the U.S. investment grade bond market. The index invests in a wide spectrum of public, investment-grade, taxable, fixed income securities in the United States – including government, corporate, and international dollar-denominated bonds, as well as mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, all with maturities of more than 1 year. To be included in the index, bonds must be rated investment grade (at least Baa3/BBB) by Moody’s and S&P. Inception date: January 1, 1976. ICE BofA U.S. Mortgage Backed Securities Index (“M0A0”) tracks the performance of US dollar denominated 30-year, 20-year and 15-year fixed rate residential mortgage pass-through securities publicly issued by US agencies in the US domestic market. Fixed rate mortgage pools are included in the Index provided they have at least one year remaining term to final maturity and a minimum amount outstanding of at least $5 billion per generic coupon. Balloon, mobile home, graduated payment and quarter coupon fixed rate mortgages are excluded from the index, as are all collateralized mortgage obligations. ICE BofA Emerging Markets Diversified Corporate Index (“EMSD”) tracks the performance of US dollar denominated emerging markets corporate senior and secured debt publicly issued in the US domestic and eurobond markets. In order to qualify for inclusion in the Index an issuer must have primary risk exposure to a country other than a member of the FX G10, a Western European country, or a territory of the US or a Western European country. The FX-G10 includes all Euro members, the US, Japan, the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Norway and Sweden. Individual securities of qualifying issuers must be denominated in US dollars, must be senior or secured debt, must have at least one year remaining term to final maturity a fixed coupon and at least $500 million in outstanding face value. Qualifying securities must have at least 18 months to final maturity at the time of issuance. The index includes corporate debt of qualifying countries, but excludes sovereign, quasi-government, securitized and collateralized debt. Original issue zero coupon bonds 144a securities, both with and without registration rights, and pay-in-kind securities, including toggle notes, qualify for inclusion in the Index. ICE BofA US Insured Bond Municipal Securities Index (“U0D0”) is a subset of ICE BofA US Municipal Securities Index including all insured securities. ICE BofA US Municipal Securities Index tracks the performance of US dollar denominated investment grade tax-exempt debt publicly issued by US states and territories, and their political subdivisions, in the US domestic market. Qualifying securities must have at least one year remaining term to final maturity, at least 18 months to final maturity at the time of issuance, a fixed coupon schedule and an investment grade rating (based on an average of Moody’s, S&P and Fitch). Minimum size requirements vary based on the initial term to final maturity at time of issuance. Securities with an initial term to final maturity greater than or equal to one year and less than five years must have a current amount outstanding of at least $10 million. Securities with an initial term to final maturity greater than or equal to five years and less than ten years must have a current amount outstanding of at least $15 million. Securities with an initial term to final maturity of ten years or more must have a current amount outstanding of at least $25 million. Disclaimer This material has been prepared by Ares Australia Management Pty Ltd ABN 51 636 490 732 (AAM), the investment manager of the Ares Global Credit Income Fund (ARSN 639 123 112) (the Fund) and is current as at the date of publication. AAM is an Authorised Representative No. 001280423 of Fidante Partners Limited ABN 94 002 835 592 AFSL 234668 (Fidante). Fidante is a member of the Challenger Limited group of companies (Challenger Group) and is the issuer and responsible entity of the Fund. Other than information which is sourced from Fidante in relation to the Fund, Fidante is not responsible for the information in this publication, including any statements of opinion. It is general information only and is not intended to provide you with financial advice or take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider, with a financial adviser, whether the information is suitable to your circumstances. The Fund’s Target Market Determination and Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) available at www.fidante.com should be considered before making a decision about whether to buy or hold units in the Fund(s). To the extent permitted by law, no liability is accepted for any loss or damage as a result of any reliance on this information. Past performance is not indicative of future performance. Any projections are based on assumptions which we believe are reasonable but are subject to change and should not be relied upon. Fidante has entered into arrangements with Ares and AAM in connection with the distribution and administration of financial products managed by Ares or AAM. In connection with those arrangements, Fidante or AAM may receive remuneration or other benefits. Fidante is not an authorised deposit-taking institution (ADI) for the purpose of the Banking Act 1959 (Cth), and its obligations do not represent deposits or liabilities of an ADI in the Challenger Group (Challenger ADI) and no Challenger ADI provides a guarantee or otherwise provides assurance in respect of the obligations of Fidante. Investments in the Fund are subject to investment risk, including possible delays in repayment and loss of income or principal invested. The performance, the repayment of capital or any particular rate of return on your investments are not guaranteed by any member of the Challenger Group nor AAM or its related bodies corporate. No reliance: This publication is provided to you on the basis that it should not be relied upon for any purpose other than information and discussion. The publication has not been independently verified. None of Ares, Fidante Partners Limited, Ares Australia Management Pty Ltd, nor any of their respective related bodies corporates, associates and employees, make any republications, warranty or undertaking (express or implied) and accepts no responsibility for the adequacy, accuracy, completeness or reasonableness of the publication or as to the performance of any product. The information contained in the publication does not purport to be complete and is subject to change. No reliance may be placed for any purpose on the publication or its accuracy, fairness, correctness or completeness. None of Ares, Fidante Partners Limited, Ares Australia Management Pty Ltd, nor any of their respective related bodies corporates, associates and employees shall have any liability whatsoever (in negligence or otherwise) for any loss howsoever arising from any use of the publication or otherwise in connection with the publication. Any forward-looking statements in this publication: are made as of the date of such statements; are not guarantees of future performance; and are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future. Ares undertakes no obligation to update such statements. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Confidentiality and intellectual property: This publication is confidential and may not be copied, reproduced or redistributed, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, to any other person in any manner. Risk: no person guarantees the performance of, or rate of return from, any product or strategy relating to this publication, nor the repayment of capital in relation to an investment in such product or strategy. An investment in any such product or strategy is not a deposit with, nor another liability of, Ares, Fidante Partners Limited, Ares Australia Management Pty Ltd nor any of their respective related bodies corporates, associates or employees. Investment in any product or strategy relating to this publication is subject to investment risks, including possible delays in repayment and loss of income and capital invested. REF: AAM-00215

1 fund mentioned

Teiki Benveniste
Head of Ares Australia Management
Ares Australia Management

Mr. Benveniste is the Head of Ares Australia Management and acts as a client portfolio manager for Australian investors. Prior to joining Ares Australia Management in January 2020, Mr Benveniste spent six and a half years at Macquarie Group...

I would like to

Only to be used for sending genuine email enquiries to the Contributor. Livewire Markets Pty Ltd reserves its right to take any legal or other appropriate action in relation to misuse of this service.

Personal Information Collection Statement
Your personal information will be passed to the Contributor and/or its authorised service provider to assist the Contributor to contact you about your investment enquiry. They are required not to use your information for any other purpose. Our privacy policy explains how we store personal information and how you may access, correct or complain about the handling of personal information.

Comments

Sign In or Join Free to comment