The Financial Supervisory Authority (FI) writes in yesterday's edition (June 9, 2021) of Dagens Industri a debate article with the title: The bond market must have higher liquidity. <\/b><\/p>\n
FI refers to the corporate bond market and highlights the problem with liquidity in the Swedish market. During the beginning of the pandemic, the sales pressure was severe and the secondary market could not absorb everything. This caused bond prices to fall sharply and several funds were forced to close for withdrawals because it was not possible to liquidate holdings to meet withdrawals.<\/p>\n
FI argues in its article that the bond market has become important for financial stability in Sweden and proposes some measures to reform it. Fi also mentions the risks of funds that have daily redemption rights investing in illiquid corporate bonds.<\/p>\n
We share the view that the bond market and in particular the high-yield market is illiquid. For this reason, we created the High Yield Opportunity Fund (HYOP) in 2020.<\/p>\n
HYOP is designed specifically to take advantage of the illiquid corporate bond market. The HYOP is closed to withdrawals and reinvests all maturities in the first 3 years, then funds are distributed back to investors in years 4 and 5. Those investors who need to sell during the term can do so in the secondary market where ABG is the market-maker.<\/p>\n
HYOP will therefore not be forced to sell during periods of high volatility \u2013 on the contrary, HYOP can take advantage of these situations and act as a buyer.<\/p>\n
HYOP can be long-term in its investment horizon and hold bonds to maturity. This allows us to aim for a return of 7%+, which is much higher than similar open-end funds.<\/p>\n
In a comment to FI's debate post, HYOP's administrator Peder Broms says:<\/p>\n
"This is a first step towards more transparent reporting of liquidity risks associated with the bond market. The regulations and tools that FI advocates can contribute to increased understanding from investors in the corporate bond segment. We think it speaks for the strength of HYOP's structure"<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Read more about HYOP here<\/a> - it is still possible to subscribe to the issue on 1 July.<\/p>\n