Portfolio manager comments — Q3 2024
Fund performance was positive in Q3 and the fund rose 1% in SEK. The Swedish credit market continued to show further stability during the period and delivered strong returns. The positive performance was driven primarily by declining interest rates and narrower credit spreads, which contributed strongly to fund returns. Measures by the central banks, which included a rate cut of 50 bps by the US central bank (Fed), created more favorable credit terms and stimulated the market further.
Activity within the real estate and construction sectors was particularly strong, with several over-subscribed issues, which reflects a high demand from investors. The Riksbank’s decision to cut the rate increased the demand on credits and promoted investments, which resulted in higher issuance volumes. The unexpectedly low inflation played a key role in the central banks’ decision to step up the rate cuts, which provided further momentum in the market and increased the optimism for future economic growth.
The most prominent issues in which the fund participated included companies such as Ziklo, Securitas and Fabege. The fund is retaining a strong liquidity position and a portfolio with high-quality credit, which provides further confidence in an otherwise volatile market.