Investment Objectives

The Fund aims to maximise the total level of return through investment, in a diversified portfolio of Emerging Market Corporate and Government fixed income securities as well as up to 15% of the Net Assets of the Fund in EM equities. In pursuing this objective, the Investment Manager shall invest primarily in a diversified portfolio of Emerging Market bonds rated at the time of investment BBB+ to CCC+ by S&P, or in bonds determined to be of comparable quality. The Fund can also invest up to 10% of its assets in Non-Rated bond issues and up to 30% of its assets in non emerging market issuers.

The Fund is actively managed, not managed by reference to any index.

 

Investor Profile

A typical investor in the Emerging Market Bond Fund would be one who is seeking to gain exposure to the Emerging Bond Market via corporate and/or sovereign bonds whilst seeking to accumulate wealth and save over time in a product that re-invests coupons received on a gross basis. Furthermore, investors in the Emerging Market Bond Fund are those with a medium to high tolerance to risk and who are planning to hold on to their investment for the medium-to-long term so as to benefit from the compound interest effect whilst also participating in the interest rate cycle as well as the investment cycle commensurate with an investment in Emerging Markets.

Fund Rules

The Investment Manager shall invest primarily but not solely in a diversified portfolio of Emerging Market Corporate fixed income securities and Emerging Market Government fixed income securities with maturities of 10 years or less, rated at the time of investment “BBB+” to “CCC+” by S&P, or in bonds determined to be of comparable quality by the Investment Manager. The Investment Manager may also invest up to 10% of the Net Assets of the fund in unrated fixed income securities.

  • Minimum Credit Rating CCC+ (or equivalent)
  • Up to 10% in Non-Rated Bonds
  • Average Credit Quality of B- (or equivalent)
  • Emerging Market Issuers as per MSCI Emerging and Frontier
  • Up to 15% in Emerging Market Equities
  • Use of FDIs for hedging purposes only
  • No limit on exposure to CIS
  • Up to 30% in Non Emerging Market Issuers

Commentary

February 2025

Introduction

Emerging market (EM) credit exhibited robust performance in early 2025, recovering from the late 2024 sell-off. This prior downturn, which eroded prior gains, was largely attributed to heightened risk aversion preceding the US presidential election. Market participants priced in potential downside risks stemming from anticipated protectionist policies, notably trade tariffs.

Post-inauguration, tariff risk remained a significant overhang, with Mexico facing specific vulnerability due to its role in addressing US border security concerns. The threatened 25% tariffs on Mexican imports, a direct response to perceived policy shortcomings, were temporarily mitigated following diplomatic interventions and commitments to enhanced border enforcement. This episode underscores the sensitivity of EM credit to geopolitical risks and their potential for rapid repricing.

February saw a continuation of positive momentum.

Despite persistent inflationary risks, including the potential impact of tariffs and stronger-than-anticipated inflation data, global bond markets reacted positively to weakening US sentiment indicators and escalating growth concerns. This led to a 33bps decline in the US 10-year Treasury yield, closing at 4.21%, and a corresponding depreciation of the USD. This provided a significant tailwind for EM debt, as evidenced by a 1.34% return in EM corporate credit for the month.

Market environment and performance

Lack of clarity, arising from the dynamic and continuously evolving environment within the geopolitical sphere, are giving rise to uncertainty. The re-election of Donald Trump into office meant that the neighbouring countries will have to deal with the possibility of tariff imposition. Mexico and Canada, on the basis of the lack of controls surrounding imports of fentanyl and unfair trade practices, have certainly started to feel the below, with threats of tariffs being laid out. China too were subject to such trade tariffs, albeit to a lesser extent, with trump thus far taking a more cautious stance, imposing only a 10% tariff on Chinese imports. The PBoC – facing persistent headwinds to its economic recovery – has demonstrated restraint, favouring diplomatic engagement over aggressive retaliatory trade actions which may ultimately have adverse effects on domestic consumption.

In economic numbers, China’s General Composite PMI increased to 51.5 in February 2025 from 51.1 in the previous month, marking the highest reading since last November. Still, it was the 16th month of growth in private sector activity, with new orders solidifying, supported by modest growth in output across both sectors. Meanwhile, China’s annual inflation rate climbed to 0.5% in January from 0.1% in December, surpassing market expectations of 0.4%. This marked the highest level since August 2024, driven by seasonal effects from the Lunar New Year at the end of the month. This also reflected the impact of recent government stimulus measures and the central bank’s accommodative monetary policy to support the economy.

Latin America’s economic landscape presents a mixed picture. While earlier concerns regarding resurgent inflation were prevalent, recent data indicates a potential disinflationary trend, prompting a reassessment of future monetary policy adjustments. Notably, Brazil’s inflation rate moderated to 4.56% from 4.83%, aligning with market forecasts and reaching its lowest level since September, amidst signs of slowing economic growth. This development suggests a potential shift in the Brazilian monetary policy stance.

In Asia, monetary policy is also responding to evolving economic conditions. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) implemented a 25bps repo rate cut to 6.25% in February, the first reduction in nearly five years. The RBI’s stated neutral stance aims to support economic growth. Conversely, Thailand and Indonesia experienced the most significant market declines in the region, reflecting investor concerns regarding weakening growth prospects.

Fund performance

The CC Emerging Market Bond Fund delivered a 1.35% return in February, mirroring the broader positive trend in credit markets.

In response to ongoing market volatility and expectations of a sustained period of elevated Federal Reserve policy rates, the portfolio manager continued to dynamically manage risk and yield. Following the previous month’s reduction in exposure to tariff-sensitive issuers, the focus shifted to enhancing income yield and mitigating interest rate duration

To achieve these objectives, the manager strategically reallocated capital. Proceeds from the sale of the iShares Emerging Markets Bond UCITS ETF were redeployed to increase direct corporate bond exposures, specifically adding positions in Standard Chartered, Vedanta Resources, and HSBC Holdings. To further optimize income yield, a duration-neutral swap was executed, replacing a Polish bond with a 4.88% coupon with a newer issue yielding 5.38%. This swap effectively maintained the portfolio’s duration profile while enhancing its income generation.

Market and investment outlook

Looking forward, Federal Reserve policy decisions and the broader global interest rate trajectory will remain pivotal factors. A shift towards a more dovish Fed stance could trigger further USD depreciation, a trend already observed in recent weeks. The USD’s recent weakening is attributable to concerning US private sector employment data, which raised concerns regarding labor market resilience, and escalating trade tensions. Retaliatory tariffs imposed by Canada, Mexico, and China in response to US actions have amplified global growth risks and exerted downward pressure on the USD.

For the CC Emerging Market Bond Fund, the portfolio manager will maintain a dynamic approach, actively assessing the evolving market landscape to capitalize on attractive credit opportunities. Consistent with recent strategies, portfolio adjustments will be made to align with prevailing yield conditions and optimize duration, as deemed prudent. Furthermore, the manager will vigilantly monitor the geopolitical landscape within emerging markets, particularly the potential for escalating tensions, which continue to present a source of market uncertainty.

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Key Facts & Performance

Fund Manager

Jordan Portelli

Jordan is CIO at CC Finance Group. He has extensive experience in research and portfolio management with various institutions. Today he is responsible of the group’s investment strategy and manages credit and multi-asset strategies.

PRICE (USD)

$

ASSET CLASS

Bonds

MIN. INITIAL INVESTMENT

$3000

FUND TYPE

UCITS

BASE CURRENCY

USD

5 year performance*

-3.88%

*View Performance History below
Inception Date: 02 Nov 2017
ISIN: MT7000021226
Bloomberg Ticker: CCEMBFA MV
Distribution Yield (%): N/A
Underlying Yield (%): 5.91
Distribution: N/A
Total Net Assets: $8.6 mn
Month end NAV in USD: 97.89
Number of Holdings: 49
Auditors: Grant Thornton
Legal Advisor: Ganado Advocates
Custodian: Sparkasse Bank Malta p.l.c.

Performance To Date (USD)

Top 10 Holdings

iShares JPM USD EM Bond
4.8%
6.625% NBM US Holdings Inc 2029
4.6%
5.8% Oryx Funding Ltd 2031
4.6%
3.25% Export-Import BK India 2030
3.2%
7.25% Gusap III LP 2044
2.6%
6.625% Oztel Holdings Ltd 2028
2.4%
6.033% Banco Santander SA 2035
2.4%
5.25% KSA Sukuk Ltd 2034
2.4%
5.8% Turkcell 2028
2.4%
5% Takeda Pharmaceutical 2028
2.3%

Major Sector Breakdown*

Government
24.2%
Asset 7
Communications
9.1%
Materials
7.4%
Materials
7.4%
Utilites
6.9%
Consumer Staples
6.9%
*excluding exposures to CIS

Maturity Buckets*

46.0%
0-5 Years
38.4%
5-10 Years
7.7%
10 Years+
*based on the Next Call Date

Credit Ratings

Average Credit Rating: BBB-

Risk & Reward Profile

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Lower Risk

Potentialy Lower Reward

Higher Risk

Potentialy Higher Reward

Top Holdings by Country*

Brazil
13.6%
Malta (Incl. cash)
13.0%
Mexico
8.6%
India
7.0%
Oman
7.0%
Turkey
6.8%
Indonesia
6.7%
United States
5.7%
United Kingdom
4.7%
Spain
4.6%
*including exposures to CIS

Asset Allocation

Cash 1.3%
Bonds (incl. ETFs) 98.7%

Performance History (EUR)*

1 Year

5.31%

3 Year

3.97%

5 Year

-3.88%

* The USD Accumulator Share Class (Class A) was launched on 03 November 2017.
** Returns quoted net of TER. Entry and exit charges may reduce returns for investors.
*** The Annualised rate is an indication of the average growth of the Fund over one year. The value of the investment and the income yield derived from the investment, if any, may go down as well as up and past performance is not necessarily indicative of future performance, nor a reliable guide to future performance. Hence returns may not be achieved and you may lose all or part of your investment in the Fund. Currency fluctuations may affect the value of investments and any derived income.

Currency Allocation

USD 100.0%
Euro 0.0%
Data for risk statistics is not available for this fund.

Interested in this product?

  • Investment Objectives

    The Fund aims to maximise the total level of return through investment, in a diversified portfolio of Emerging Market Corporate and Government fixed income securities as well as up to 15% of the Net Assets of the Fund in EM equities. In pursuing this objective, the Investment Manager shall invest primarily in a diversified portfolio of Emerging Market bonds rated at the time of investment BBB+ to CCC+ by S&P, or in bonds determined to be of comparable quality. The Fund can also invest up to 10% of its assets in Non-Rated bond issues and up to 30% of its assets in non emerging market issuers.

    The Fund is actively managed, not managed by reference to any index.

     

  • Investor profile

    A typical investor in the Emerging Market Bond Fund would be one who is seeking to gain exposure to the Emerging Bond Market via corporate and/or sovereign bonds whilst seeking to accumulate wealth and save over time in a product that re-invests coupons received on a gross basis. Furthermore, investors in the Emerging Market Bond Fund are those with a medium to high tolerance to risk and who are planning to hold on to their investment for the medium-to-long term so as to benefit from the compound interest effect whilst also participating in the interest rate cycle as well as the investment cycle commensurate with an investment in Emerging Markets.

    Investor Profile Icon
  • Fund Rules

    The Investment Manager of the CC High Income Bond Funds – EUR and USD has the duty to ensure that the underlying investments of the funds are well diversified. According to the prospectus, the investment manager has to abide by a number of investment restrictions to safeguard the value of the assets

    • Minimum Credit Rating CCC+ (or equivalent)
    • Up to 10% in Non-Rated Bonds
    • Average Credit Quality of B- (or equivalent)
    • Emerging Market Issuers as per MSCI Emerging and Frontier
    • Up to 15% in Emerging Market Equities
    • Use of FDIs for hedging purposes only
    • No limit on exposure to CIS
    • Up to 30% in Non Emerging Market Issuers
  • Commentary

    February 2025

    Introduction

    Emerging market (EM) credit exhibited robust performance in early 2025, recovering from the late 2024 sell-off. This prior downturn, which eroded prior gains, was largely attributed to heightened risk aversion preceding the US presidential election. Market participants priced in potential downside risks stemming from anticipated protectionist policies, notably trade tariffs.

    Post-inauguration, tariff risk remained a significant overhang, with Mexico facing specific vulnerability due to its role in addressing US border security concerns. The threatened 25% tariffs on Mexican imports, a direct response to perceived policy shortcomings, were temporarily mitigated following diplomatic interventions and commitments to enhanced border enforcement. This episode underscores the sensitivity of EM credit to geopolitical risks and their potential for rapid repricing.

    February saw a continuation of positive momentum.

    Despite persistent inflationary risks, including the potential impact of tariffs and stronger-than-anticipated inflation data, global bond markets reacted positively to weakening US sentiment indicators and escalating growth concerns. This led to a 33bps decline in the US 10-year Treasury yield, closing at 4.21%, and a corresponding depreciation of the USD. This provided a significant tailwind for EM debt, as evidenced by a 1.34% return in EM corporate credit for the month.

    Market environment and performance

    Lack of clarity, arising from the dynamic and continuously evolving environment within the geopolitical sphere, are giving rise to uncertainty. The re-election of Donald Trump into office meant that the neighbouring countries will have to deal with the possibility of tariff imposition. Mexico and Canada, on the basis of the lack of controls surrounding imports of fentanyl and unfair trade practices, have certainly started to feel the below, with threats of tariffs being laid out. China too were subject to such trade tariffs, albeit to a lesser extent, with trump thus far taking a more cautious stance, imposing only a 10% tariff on Chinese imports. The PBoC – facing persistent headwinds to its economic recovery – has demonstrated restraint, favouring diplomatic engagement over aggressive retaliatory trade actions which may ultimately have adverse effects on domestic consumption.

    In economic numbers, China’s General Composite PMI increased to 51.5 in February 2025 from 51.1 in the previous month, marking the highest reading since last November. Still, it was the 16th month of growth in private sector activity, with new orders solidifying, supported by modest growth in output across both sectors. Meanwhile, China’s annual inflation rate climbed to 0.5% in January from 0.1% in December, surpassing market expectations of 0.4%. This marked the highest level since August 2024, driven by seasonal effects from the Lunar New Year at the end of the month. This also reflected the impact of recent government stimulus measures and the central bank’s accommodative monetary policy to support the economy.

    Latin America’s economic landscape presents a mixed picture. While earlier concerns regarding resurgent inflation were prevalent, recent data indicates a potential disinflationary trend, prompting a reassessment of future monetary policy adjustments. Notably, Brazil’s inflation rate moderated to 4.56% from 4.83%, aligning with market forecasts and reaching its lowest level since September, amidst signs of slowing economic growth. This development suggests a potential shift in the Brazilian monetary policy stance.

    In Asia, monetary policy is also responding to evolving economic conditions. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) implemented a 25bps repo rate cut to 6.25% in February, the first reduction in nearly five years. The RBI’s stated neutral stance aims to support economic growth. Conversely, Thailand and Indonesia experienced the most significant market declines in the region, reflecting investor concerns regarding weakening growth prospects.

    Fund performance

    The CC Emerging Market Bond Fund delivered a 1.35% return in February, mirroring the broader positive trend in credit markets.

    In response to ongoing market volatility and expectations of a sustained period of elevated Federal Reserve policy rates, the portfolio manager continued to dynamically manage risk and yield. Following the previous month’s reduction in exposure to tariff-sensitive issuers, the focus shifted to enhancing income yield and mitigating interest rate duration

    To achieve these objectives, the manager strategically reallocated capital. Proceeds from the sale of the iShares Emerging Markets Bond UCITS ETF were redeployed to increase direct corporate bond exposures, specifically adding positions in Standard Chartered, Vedanta Resources, and HSBC Holdings. To further optimize income yield, a duration-neutral swap was executed, replacing a Polish bond with a 4.88% coupon with a newer issue yielding 5.38%. This swap effectively maintained the portfolio’s duration profile while enhancing its income generation.

    Market and investment outlook

    Looking forward, Federal Reserve policy decisions and the broader global interest rate trajectory will remain pivotal factors. A shift towards a more dovish Fed stance could trigger further USD depreciation, a trend already observed in recent weeks. The USD’s recent weakening is attributable to concerning US private sector employment data, which raised concerns regarding labor market resilience, and escalating trade tensions. Retaliatory tariffs imposed by Canada, Mexico, and China in response to US actions have amplified global growth risks and exerted downward pressure on the USD.

    For the CC Emerging Market Bond Fund, the portfolio manager will maintain a dynamic approach, actively assessing the evolving market landscape to capitalize on attractive credit opportunities. Consistent with recent strategies, portfolio adjustments will be made to align with prevailing yield conditions and optimize duration, as deemed prudent. Furthermore, the manager will vigilantly monitor the geopolitical landscape within emerging markets, particularly the potential for escalating tensions, which continue to present a source of market uncertainty.

  • Key facts & performance

    Fund Manager

    Jordan Portelli

    Jordan is CIO at CC Finance Group. He has extensive experience in research and portfolio management with various institutions. Today he is responsible of the group’s investment strategy and manages credit and multi-asset strategies.

    PRICE (USD)

    $

    ASSET CLASS

    Bonds

    MIN. INITIAL INVESTMENT

    $3000

    FUND TYPE

    UCITS

    BASE CURRENCY

    USD

    5 year performance*

    -3.88%

    *View Performance History below
    Inception Date: 02 Nov 2017
    ISIN: MT7000021226
    Bloomberg Ticker: CCEMBFA MV
    Distribution Yield (%): N/A
    Underlying Yield (%): 5.91
    Distribution: N/A
    Total Net Assets: $8.6 mn
    Month end NAV in USD: 97.89
    Number of Holdings: 49
    Auditors: Grant Thornton
    Legal Advisor: Ganado Advocates
    Custodian: Sparkasse Bank Malta p.l.c.

    Performance To Date (USD)

    Risk & Reward Profile

    1
    2
    3
    4
    5
    6
    7
    Lower Risk

    Potentialy Lower Reward

    Higher Risk

    Potentialy Higher Reward

    Top 10 Holdings

    iShares JPM USD EM Bond
    4.8%
    6.625% NBM US Holdings Inc 2029
    4.6%
    5.8% Oryx Funding Ltd 2031
    4.6%
    3.25% Export-Import BK India 2030
    3.2%
    7.25% Gusap III LP 2044
    2.6%
    6.625% Oztel Holdings Ltd 2028
    2.4%
    6.033% Banco Santander SA 2035
    2.4%
    5.25% KSA Sukuk Ltd 2034
    2.4%
    5.8% Turkcell 2028
    2.4%
    5% Takeda Pharmaceutical 2028
    2.3%

    Top Holdings by Country*

    Brazil
    13.6%
    Malta (Incl. cash)
    13.0%
    Mexico
    8.6%
    India
    7.0%
    Oman
    7.0%
    Turkey
    6.8%
    Indonesia
    6.7%
    United States
    5.7%
    United Kingdom
    4.7%
    Spain
    4.6%
    *including exposures to CIS

    Major Sector Breakdown*

    Government
    24.2%
    Asset 7
    Communications
    9.1%
    Materials
    7.4%
    Materials
    7.4%
    Utilites
    6.9%
    Consumer Staples
    6.9%
    *excluding exposures to CIS

    Asset Allocation

    Cash 1.3%
    Bonds (incl. ETFs) 98.7%

    Maturity Buckets*

    46.0%
    0-5 Years
    38.4%
    5-10 Years
    7.7%
    10 Years+
    *based on the Next Call Date

    Performance History (EUR)*

    1 Year

    5.31%

    3 Year

    3.97%

    5 Year

    -3.88%

    * The USD Accumulator Share Class (Class A) was launched on 03 November 2017.
    ** Returns quoted net of TER. Entry and exit charges may reduce returns for investors.
    *** The Annualised rate is an indication of the average growth of the Fund over one year. The value of the investment and the income yield derived from the investment, if any, may go down as well as up and past performance is not necessarily indicative of future performance, nor a reliable guide to future performance. Hence returns may not be achieved and you may lose all or part of your investment in the Fund. Currency fluctuations may affect the value of investments and any derived income.

    Credit Ratings

    Average Credit Rating: BBB-

    Currency Allocation

    USD 100.0%
    Euro 0.0%
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