Portfolio manager comments — September 2025The upward trend in equity markets continued throughout September, with the Stockholm Stock Exchange* rising by 0.6%, while global equity markets**, measured in Swedish kronor, recorded a gain of 3.2%. The primary drivers behind market movements in September were better-than-expected macroeconomic data and dovish communication from central banks.
On the fixed income side, short-term market rates declined following the Riksbank’s 25 basis point rate cut to 1.75%. Meanwhile, the Swedish 10-year government bond yield increased to 2.70%, indicating a continued divergence between short- and long-term rates. Within the fixed income portfolio, we maintain a preference for corporate bonds and emerging market debt, which offer higher running yields to compensate for the elevated risks.
We retain a relatively positive outlook on market developments going forward and see potential for continued bullish sentiment. Our view is supported by the current economic cycle phase, wherein growth appears set to rebound, particularly in Sweden, while inflation trends downward toward central banks’ 2% targets. This justifies the maintenance of low policy rates. Furthermore, U.S. companies continue to exhibit robust earnings growth, with expectations that Swedish and European corporate profits will also accelerate in 2026. This is supported by fiscal stimulus measures, such as the expansive budget announced in Sweden. We also see potential for increased corporate activity, including a higher pace of mergers and acquisitions, initial public offerings, and share buybacks.
Within our fund portfolios, we have marginally increased our equity overweight. In the Swedish equity portfolio, we maintain our overweight in small-cap and real estate companies, as we believe they benefit from lower interest rate levels. In global equities, we hold overweights in U.S. and Japanese stocks while increasing investments in thematic equity baskets focused on humanoid robotics and industrial companies that promote a sustainable transition.
*SIX Sweden SRI Index GI
**Solactive ISS ESG Screened Paris Aligned Global Markets Index NTR, SEK