Home Insights Fixed income High Grade Capital Securities Fund

Abstract

The traditional investment grade (IG) fixed income portfolio comprises “core” investments in Sovereigns and Corporates with some smaller allocations to other sectors such as high yield and emerging markets. In this paper, we demonstrate that IG fixed-income investors could be well served by including an allocation to Capital Securities to their portfolios. Using historical data from 2010 to January 2025, we conclude that an optimal allocation to Capital Securities would amount to a weight of 20%, which would be an overweight relative to a market size of approximately 10% of IG Corporates as of January 2025. By the means of moving regression analysis, we also show that IG EUR Capital Securities have the desirable properties of being an asset class that has delivered consistent positive alpha with a lower beta relative to IG EUR Corporates.

What are “capital securities”?

These are securities that are issued for “capital” purposes. In other words, they are assigned some “capital” quality by either regulators or rating agencies. For Financials, these are typically bonds that are issued as Tier1 and Tier2 capital of Banks and Insurance companies. For Non-Financials, the motivation for issuance is “equity credit” by rating agencies. Non-Financial Capital Securities are also referred to by the term “Corporate hybrids”. They are considered “hybrids” because they typically receive a 50% equity consideration from the rating agencies that helps the companies bolster their senior debt ratings by managing their leverage ratios. The issuers have to meet certain structural criteria to get the Capital consideration from regulators (EU law in the case of Banks) and from rating agencies. For example, as per EU law, Capital Securities issued by Banks need to have bail-in features and coupon deferability. Corporate hybrids are also deeply subordinated and have coupon deferral features. Due to the subordination features and loss absorption features either through coupon deferral or principal write-down, these bonds are notched down in rating from senior debt.

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Fixed income
Disclosure

Spectrum Asset Management, Inc. is an affiliate of Principal Global Investors. Spectrum is a leading manager of institutional and retail preferred securities portfolios.

Risk considerations

Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. The market value of debt securities is affected by changes in prevailing interest rates and the Fund may be exposed to credit risk by investing in debt securities. Default risk and liquidity risk associated with investment in below investment grade securities. Contingent Convertible Securities risk is due by the substantially greater risk that these instruments may have compared to other forms of securities in times of credit stress and may result in a material loss to the Fund. Currency hedging may reduce but will not remove risk. Hedging will incur more transaction costs and fees which will affect overall return.

Important information

Information derived from sources other than Principal Global Investors or its affiliates is believed to be reliable; however, we do not independently verify or guarantee its accuracy or validity. This material contains general information only and does not take account of any investor’s investment objectives or financial situation and should not be construed as specific investment advice, recommendation or be relied on in any way as a guarantee, promise, forecast or prediction of future events regarding an investment or the markets in general. The opinions and predictions expressed are subject to change without prior notice. Any reference to a specific investment or security does not constitute a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold such investment or security, nor an indication that Principal Global Investors or its affiliates has recommended a specific security for any client account.

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Past performance is no guarantee of future results and should not be relied upon to make an investment decision.

This material may contain ‘forward looking’ information that is not purely historical in nature. Such information may include, among other things, projections and forecasts. There is no guarantee that any forecasts made will come to pass. Reliance upon information in this material is at the sole discretion of the reader.

Indices represented

  • Bloomberg Euro Aggregate Corporate Total Return Index Value Unhedged EU (LECPTREU) is a benchmark that measures the corporate component of the Euro Aggregate Index. It includes investment grade, euro-denominated, fixed-rate securities.
  • Bloomberg Euro-Aggregate Treasury Index (LEATTREU) is a benchmark that measures the Treasury component of the Euro-Aggregate. The index consists of euro-denominated, fixed-rate, investment grade public obligations from member states of the European Union.
  • Bloomberg Euro High Yield Index (I02501EU) measures the market of non-investment grade, fixed-rate corporate bonds denominated in Euro. Inclusion is based on the currency of issue, and not the domicile of the issuer. The index excludes emerging market debt.
  • Bloomberg Capsec Euro Denominated Total Return Index Unhedged EUR (I04425EU) represents Euro-denominated Capital Securities.

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