Portfolio manager comments — Q4 2025
The fund delivered positive performance during the fourth quarter, which was characterized by significant movements in interest rate markets and mixed developments across credit markets.
Global financial markets continued to be influenced by developments in the US, and this quarter was no exception. The US federal government was shut down for a total of 43 days due to disagreements over the budget. The shutdown created uncertainty, as no economic data could be published, meaning that the US Federal Reserve had to act without access to complete information. Despite this, policy rates were cut on two occasions – in October and December – by a total of 50 basis points.
Europe also experienced an eventful quarter. France once again came into focus due to political turbulence and uncertainty surrounding the budget. S&P downgraded the country’s credit rating to A+, which had some impact on credit markets. The European Central Bank chose to keep policy rates unchanged, but signaled that the next move is likely to be a hike, citing revised forecasts for growth and inflation. This contributed to a significant rise in European government bond yields. The Riksbank acted more cautiously and kept its policy rate unchanged, in line with market expectations. Swedish interest rates were nevertheless influenced by developments in Europe and rose toward the end of December.
Credit markets were relatively stable during the quarter. At times, concerns emerged regarding the future funding needs of AI companies, developments within US private credit, and political turbulence in France, which primarily affected French issuers. Credit spreads in the investment grade segment moved largely sideways, while inflows provided clear support to the market.
During the quarter, the fund maintained a long duration position and positions for yield curve steepening, with the latter making the most positive contribution. In addition, the fund maintained higher credit risk than its benchmark index*, which was also beneficial. Among new investments were, for example, a green bond issued by the City of Tokyo and a newly structured green “energy efficiency bond” from Vasakronan. This bond is unique in that all proceeds are allocated to energy efficiency measures for properties that are not yet classified as green. We look forward to seeing more such bonds that clearly contribute to tangible improvements.
* Solactive Green and Social 3.5y IG SEK Hedged TR Index