Portfolio manager comments — Q2 2024
Fund performance was positive in Q2 and the fund rose just over 1% in SEK.
The first half of Q2 was marked by further strong economic data in the US as well as an improvement to incoming data in Europe. Despite this, the core inflation remained more sluggish than expected in relation to the inflation targets. This led to an initial rise in interest rates during the quarter.
In contrast, the short-term interest rates fell in Sweden and the Riksbank made its first cut in rates during the quarter, while also signaling that several additional cuts can be expected during the year.
The fund took a position for declining short-term rates via interest rate swaps that were then closed with positive contributions. The credit market in the Nordics continued its positive trend with narrower credit spreads that contributed positively to returns. The issuing activity was strong and the fund participated in several of companies that issued bonds, such as Sparbanken Syd, Vonovia and Volvo. The fund was also active in adding new issuers of certificates at attractive levels that included Alfa Laval and Heba Fastighets AB. The real estate companies with BBB ratings continued to be the strongest segment contributing positively to the portfolio’s returns. The fund continues to have good liquidity and high-quality credit.