Monthly comment

Markets in June were characterised by the higher interest rates for longer theme following a number of macroeconomic data releases. As such, we saw some strong moves upwards in government bond rates, most notably among short-dated rates as seen in the two-year rates moves. This was further accentuated within the UK, where we saw a strong inflation print which led the Bank of England (BoE) to increase its base rate by 50 basis points (bps). Spreads within our securities tightened during the month, however that only slightly compensated for the move higher in interest rates.

Valuations and Fundamentals

As stated above, spreads have tightened during the month. However, spreads remain at very wide levels historically and we believe this creates strong opportunities. For instance, spreads on Additional Tier 1 (AT1) contingent convertibles (CoCos) are on average around 600 bps. In 2021, spreads on AT1 CoCos were between 250 and 300 basis points. As such, despite the macroeconomic uncertainties, valuations are attractive and have significant room to tighten ie, for the prices of our securities to go up. Moreover, credit fundamentals for European banks remain at strong levels. Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratios remain very high. Profitability of banks also remains high, and deposits have, on aggregate, remained very stable within European institutions. We believe that over time investors will regain confidence to invest within financials.

Subordinated Debt

We have seen some positive events within the subordinated debt markets. Following a number of Tier 2 bonds being issued in the last two months, we saw the first AT1 issued by a major European bank, namely BBVA. They issued EUR 1 billion of an AT1 with a coupon of 8.375%. There was strong demand for this new issue. Despite that, extension risk remains largely overstated. Close to 80% of the AT1 market is still pricing extension risk. This is despite the fact that more than 95% of AT1s have historically been called. Moreover, a large part of the AT1 CoCos which are callable this year have already been pre-financed, meaning they are highly likely to be called. Within other parts of the subordinated debt market, such as Restricted Tier 1s (RT1s), corporate hybrids and callable Tier 2’s, we also see this extension risk as being largely overstated. During risk-off environments such as in 2022 and currently, callable perpetual bonds tend to reprice to maturity, creating a double-negative effect on prices. However, the reverse is true when markets are stronger, and as such we expect to see strong recovery. As markets start normalising, we should see some recovery while continuing to capture high income.

  • The Valuation date: October 3, 2024
    serieAsOFDateFKFund NameISINMTDYTDSIMTDYTDSI
    120,241,001GAM Sustainable Climate Bond fundIE000BSJBO140.00290.0523-0.02170.295.23-2.17
    220,241,001GAM Star Crdt Ops EUR InvIE00B50JD3540.00140.10510.64670.1410.5164.67
    320,241,001GAM Star Crdt Ops GBP InvIE00B510J1730.00090.09060.92430.099.0692.43
    420,241,001GAM Star Crdt Ops USD InvIE00B57693100.00090.09870.85250.099.8785.25
    520,241,001GAM Interest Trend IncIE00BYM4P9130.00070.09740.38310.079.7438.31

  • Please read this important legal information before proceeding.

    Information contained herein are solely for the use of the person who has accessed this information and may not be reproduced or distributed, even partially, to any other person or entity.

    The material contained herein is confidential and intended solely for the use of the persons or entities with nationality of or respectively with their residence, domicile, registered office or effective administration in a State or Country in which distribution, publication, making available or use of the information is not contrary to applicable laws or any other regulation.

    The material contained herein is aimed at sophisticated, professional, eligible, institutional and/or qualified investors/intermediaries who have the knowledge and financial sophistication to understand and bear the risks associated with the investments described.

    The information is solely product-related and does not take into account any personal circumstances and does not qualify as general or personal investment recommendation or advice. In particular, the information is given by way of information only and does not constitute a specific legal offer for the purchase or sale of financial instruments. Moreover, nothing contained herein is constitutive of any tax advice.

    Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the financial information herein but the information contained herein has not been independently reviewed or verified. Therefore, Atlanticomnium SA gives no assurance, express or implied, as to whether such information is accurate, true or complete and no responsibility is accepted by Atlanticomnium SA for any errors or omissions. Third-party content is the property of its respective provider or its licensor and is protected by applicable copyright law.

    Past performance is not indicative of future performance. The price of shares/units and the income from the funds/trusts can go down as well as up and may be affected by changes in rates of exchange or financial markets fluctuation, out of the scope of Atlanticomnium SA.

    To the fullest extent permitted by law, in no event shall Atlanticomnium SA or our affiliates, or any of our directors, employees, contractors, service providers or agents have any liability whatsoever to any person for any direct or indirect loss, liability, cost, claim, expense or damage of any kind, whether in contract or in tort, including negligence, or otherwise, arising out of or related to the use of the information provided.

  • PERFORMANCE