Funds

Asia Ex-Japan

Ideas

LionGlobal Short Duration Bond Fund

When interest rates go up, we go short

3rd Quarter 2018

Past performance

1Y
-4.6%
3Y
0.3%
5Y
1.4%

The Federal Reserve, possibly the most important central bank in the world, is expected to hike interest rates twice more this year.

There are reasons to think they may become more hawkish than they let on.

First, unemployment is close to a 50-year low. Tight labour market conditions have led broader measures of wage growth higher, which only exacerbate inflationary pressure.

Second, the Fed’s preferred core personal consumption expenditure inflation has finally hit the once elusive 2 per cent target in May. An overshoot of the inflation target may seem tolerable for now. However, the inflationary impact of the Trump administration’s expansionary fiscal policy could test the Fed’s dovish resolve.

Ultimately, the world adjusts to the Fed and not the other way around. And so, even as other central banks continue with policy accommodation, a tightening Fed will inevitably lead to more restrictive financial market conditions ahead.

Given these dynamics, investors should look to reduce the interest rate sensitivity of their portfolio by decreasing the overall duration of their fixed income holdings.

Why we like the fund

  • The fund’s focus on shorter duration bonds shields investors from being exposed to risks associated with rising interest rates.
  • At the same time, it continues to address investors’ low-return dilemma by aiming to deliver non-guaranteed quarterly pay outs of around 2.5 per cent per annum as a form of regular income. To guard against credit risk, investors are exposed to a diversified portfolio of investment grade corporate bonds, issued mainly by Asian corporates.
  • The fund is included in the Central Provident Fund Investment Scheme.

About the fund

NAV as at 13 July 2018
S$1.598
Inception Date
22 March 1991
Fund Size
S$368.1 mil
Annual Management Fee
0.50% p.a.
Subscription Modes
CPFIS-OA/CPFIS-SA/Cash/SRS

Top 5 holdings

 
%
DBS CAPITAL FUNDING II VAR PERP (15/06/2018)
2.5
UNITED OVERSEAS BANK LTD SER EMTN (REG S) (REG) VAR 16/09/2026
2.0
ASCENDAS HOSPITALITY TRU SER MTN (REG S)(REG) 3.3% 07/04/2020
1.9
ASCOTT REIT MTN PTE LTD SER MTN (REG S) (BR) 4.205% 23/11/2022
1.9
CAPITALAND LTD SER (REG S) (REG) CONV 2.8% 08/06/2025
1.9

NAV movement

Source: NAV chart based on Bloomberg data as at 13 July 2018; fund information extracted from the fund’s factsheet provided by Lion Global Investors Limited was as at 31 May 2018.

Sector allocation (%)

Source: Fund information extracted from the fund’s factsheet provided by Lion Global Investors Limited was as at 31 May 2018.

Note: Performance as at 31 May 2018, for the SGD A Distribution Share Class, calculated on an offer-to-bid basis with all dividends and distributions reinvested, net of all charges payable upon reinvestment, if any. Performance figures exceeding 1 year, if any, were stated on an average annual compounded basis.

The information below solely constitutes the views of OCBC Bank and does not consider the specific investment objectives, financial situation or needs of anyone. The Bank is therefore not responsible for any loss or damage arising from this information. Investment involves risks. If you wish to make an investment, you should first speak to your OCBC Relationship Manager or a Personal Financial Consultant.
LIONGLOBAL SHORT DURATION BOND FUND CLASS A (SGD)

Suitable for Balanced/ Growth

1-year performance

+ 4.15 %