Improving fundamentals are emboldening institutional money managers to take on more emerging market bonds. In a true sign of a risk-on sentiment, these managers are adding the riskiest of bonds in EM countries.
“Junk-rated dollar debt from developing nations is attracting fresh bets from money managers at UBS Asset Management, Lazard Asset Management Ltd. and PGIM Fixed Income in the wake of Donald Trump’s election,” Bloomberg reported.
One of the topics on investor watch lists will be how President-elect Trump handles tariffs in his second term. Much speculation is circulating that reigniting trade wars could by the byproduct of the incoming administration, thereby increasing EM bond volatility.
This is where having strong fundamentals will help curb any short-term volatility that may result. Additionally, if the Federal Reserve continues on its path of easing monetary policy, it should sustain the tailwinds for EM assets since they’re typically tied to the performance of their currencies.
“The thinking is that improved fundamentals in some emerging nations — growing foreign reserves, funding agreements and structural economic reforms — will help keep these credits insulated from potential selloffs in global rates,” the report added. “They also offer some protection from currency volatility stoked by concerns about Trump’s tariff stance.”
Improving fundamentals will also help retail fixed income investors who are on the fence when it comes to adding EM bonds. They certainly have options when deciding to take the plunge. But there’s one option from Vanguard they should consider.
Easy Exposure to EM Bonds
Fixed income investors looking to get exposure to EM bonds can opt to build their own portfolio or with the help of an advisor who understands the nuances that come with these unique debt issues. Either way, it will require a considerable amount of research to build a diversified portfolio of EM bonds.
However, there’s an easier way to get exposure, and that’s via the Vanguard Emerging Markets Government Bond ETF (VWOB ). It tracks the performance of the Bloomberg USD Emerging Markets Government RIC Capped Index. The index specifically measures the investment return of U.S.-dollar-denominated bonds issued by governments and government-related issuers in EM countries. The fund’s portfolio composition includes holdings from various countries, adding to EM bond diversification.
One highlight of EM bonds is the yields they can offer as long as investors understand that there’s increased credit risk involved. In the case of VWOB, its 30-day SEC yield is 6.37% as of November 7. The fund has an expense ratio of 0.20%.
For more news, information, and analysis, visit the Fixed Income Channel.
