Investment Strategy
The Berenberg Sustainable EM Bonds fund invests in emerging markets government and corporate bonds, using a systematic and active investment process. It aims to achieve an appropriate and steady increase in value while applying ESG investment criteria. In addition, it adheres to strict guidelines for the exclusion of non-ESG-compliant investments. Wide-ranging sustainability aspects are also analysed and taken into account when selecting individual bonds for the portfolio. The final portfolio is also subject to ongoing risk management at country and company level.
- Active investment approach in EM government and corporate bonds with continuous consideration of ESG exclusion and inclusion criteria.
- Active positioning against a market benchmark
- Average duration is between 5 and 7 years
- Investment segments are primarily government and corporate bonds in hard currencies
Learn more about our Berenberg Fixed Income investment philosophy
Further details on the opportunities and risks of this fund can be found in the sales prospectus.
Indexed performance
Performance in 12-month periods
Currencies
Sectors
Countries
Asset classes
Top Holdings
Monthly market comment
Spreads in both emerging market sovereign and corporate bonds trended sideways in April after the widening in March resulting from the general risk aversion generated by the regional banking crisis. While the risk in the banking sector seems to be contained, emerging market investors remain cautious but optimistic about positive performance once rates in developed markets have peaked. The Berenberg Sustainable EM Bond Fund, with an overweight in Colombia, was hurt by political changes in that country, however, with broader beta managed by a continued bias for investment grade credit, as well as a tactical short duration hedge, the fund was able to slightly outperform the benchmark in April.
Portfolio Management
Robert Reichle
Robert Reichle, CFA, CQF joined Berenberg as a senior portfolio manager in January 2010. As a member of the fixed income selection team he is responsible for the creation and implementation of global fixed income portfolio management strategies. He has expertise in emerging markets debt, global government bonds, as well as corporates and financials. He is also the lead manager of the Berenberg mutual funds Emerging Markets Bond Selection, Global Bond Selection, and EUR Government Bond Selection. Robert has been working in the financial sector since 2004. Before joining Berenberg he was a senior strategist and portfolio manager at Payden & Rygel in Los Angeles and he also worked at WestLB AG, London as a manager in Emerging Markets credit derivatives trading and structuring. Robert is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), received the CQF designation, and also has a German Diplom in economics from the University of Ulm and a Master in international economics from the University of Pantheon-Sorbonne, Paris.
Consideration of ESG Elements
Identifying companies and business models that will be successful in the long term is the basis for good investment decisions. Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors are key factors in decision making and are therefore integral
components of the investment process.
CO₂-Intensity
The fund does not actively manage its carbon footprint, however, emissions data such as CO2 intensity are relevant parameters which can be used to assess the efficient management of a company and the extent of transition risks.
ESG Score
The data provider MSCI ESG uses an ESG score of 0 to 10 to assess the management of material ESG risks of portfolio holdings compared to competitors.
ESG Controversies Screen
Investments in the fund are monitored for ESG controversies and, with the help of MSCI ESG data, flagged according their severity. Thereby, potential ESG risks of investments are identified. In the case of an orange flag (severe controversy), we enter into an active exchange with the company. In the case of a red flag (very severe controversy), the company is excluded.
