Portfolio manager comments — Q3 2025
The fund demonstrated positive performance during the third quarter, both in absolute and relative terms. The period was characterized by continued strong risk sentiment, with overall market uncertainty persisting but reduced compared to the previous quarter. The high yield levels in the credit market continued to attract capital flows, contributing to good liquidity and strong demand. Issuance activity was extensive, particularly in September, yet supply in several cases exceeded actual demand, resulting in record-low credit spreads—especially in the U.S. market.
Macro-wise, the U.S. showed signs of economic slowdown, where weaker employment data contributed to the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) lowering the policy rate at its latest meeting, despite inflation remaining elevated. In Europe, macro data remains weak but with gradual improvement in sentiment and activity, leading the European Central Bank (ECB) to adopt a wait-and-see stance regarding further monetary stimulus. In Sweden, the Riksbank opted to lower the policy rate, motivated by continued low economic activity and a stronger krona, despite inflation exceeding expectations during the summer.
Against this backdrop, the fund adjusted its exposure during the quarter toward a steeper U.S. yield curve and is currently neutrally positioned with regard to duration. Given the current environment of low credit risk premiums, the fund has increased participation in Nordic issuances, where pricing generally offers somewhat higher compensation for risk.
Within sectors benefiting from lower financing costs, the fund has invested in Y-Säätiö Oy, a Finnish real estate company focused on socially sustainable housing, as well as in European Energy, a company active in renewable energy.