fixed income: an opportune time for fallen angels

a growth-oriented agenda.

The US election delivered a decisive Republican victory, with the party securing the presidency and control of Congress. This outcome is poised to drive policy changes in 2025, introducing major uncertainties around  fiscal, trade and immigration policies. However, President-elect Trump's growth-oriented agenda will probably bolster economic expansion while generating potential inflation pressures. With the US economy demonstrating robust health, the Federal Reserve is likely to continue easing monetary policy, potentially ending its rate cut cycle earlier than anticipated. The eurozone and the UK remain on a downward rates trajectory.

This uncertain but growth-positive environment makes us prefer investment-grade corporate bonds over government bonds, as we believe they offer a better mix of duration and credit risk.  
 

multi asset: how higher rates risk could improve diversification

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supportive conditions.

We do not foresee a significant economic slowdown, despite sector-specific stresses, notably in the automotive industry. This environment presents valuable opportunities in higher quality high-yield credit, where we can capitalise on greater spreads and potential returns. The current market conditions are particularly supportive of fallen angels – bonds downgraded from investment grade to high yield ratings. These typically offer longer durations and higher quality, often within the BB rating range.


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looking at sectors.

Sector-wise, the recovery in real estate since the end of last year continues, albeit at a slower pace. We anticipate this sector could yield more fallen angels. Although interest rates have peaked and valuations have stabilised, elevated refinancing costs could weaken interest cover, a key credit metric.

Weakness is also emerging within consumer-cyclical sectors, particularly retail and automotive. Retail already has several new fallen angels this year, while the automotive sector faces profit warnings linked to challenges in China and subdued demand for electric vehicles. Despite negative rating actions, no new fallen angels have emerged in the automotive sector yet.

In summary, while the fixed-income market faces some challenges and volatility, the ongoing interest-rate environment and current economic conditions present numerous opportunities, particularly within higher quality high-yield bonds such as fallen angels. 
 

authors.

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Sandro Croce 
CIO, Fixed Income

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Anando Maitra
Head of Systematic Research

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Ashton Parker
Head of Credit Research

after the bell.

What’s your new year’s investment resolution?

We are committed to relying on our robust investment process in the new year to deliver continued performance. We will focus on identifying value and managing risks to capitalise on opportunities.


 

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