07/21/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/21/2021 05:34
State Street Global Advisors' Survey Further Highlights Expected Rise of ETFs for Fixed Income Allocations, as well as the Integration of ESG in Fixed Income Strategies
BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- State Street Global Advisors, the asset management business of State Street Corporation (NYSE: STT), today announced the results of a global survey that shows institutional investors have an increased appetite for indexed fixed income strategies across a multitude of major investment themes, including the fast-growing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) theme.
The findings revealed that exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are becoming an important fund vehicle for fixed income portfolio construction. The survey also found that investors believe the liquidity and price discovery benefits of fixed income ETFs became more attractive after witnessing COVID-19-driven market turbulence in Q1 2020.
According to the report, 'Fixed Income: Preparing for the Big Shift,' while institutional investors still see value in active fixed income portfolio management, active approaches are increasingly under pressure to deliver alpha, and investors are interested in maximizing yield while minimizing costs and risks. The findings are based on a survey of global pension and sovereign wealth funds, as well as wealth and asset managers.
'The findings of our research validated trends we've observed playing out among institutional investors recently,' said Gaurav Mallik, chief portfolio strategist for State Street Global Advisors. 'In the search for yield, institutional investors are shifting their portfolios to incorporate fixed income at a lower cost, and accompanying that shift is a focus on yield, liquidity and transparency. As an indexing and ETF leader, we remain well-positioned at the forefront of these trends, and we are dedicated to helping clients navigate this upcoming shift and achieve their goals.'
The Move to Indexed Fixed Income
The survey findings confirmed that indexed fixed income is delivering strong value accessing the sectors and building blocks that investors find useful in a cost-effective and transparent way. Respondents confirm that while active management of fixed income strategies still dominates, there is a strong interest in adding index exposure which translates to both a challenge and an opportunity for a shift to indexing in an evolving fixed income market:
ETFs in the Fixed Income Toolkit
Institutional investors have plans to increase ETF use within their fixed income portfolios. The report found that:
ESG Moves Toward Full Integration
ESG is a mainstream consideration for institutional fixed income investors. Among its other benefits, ESG is seen as providing a quality lens through which to view fixed income strategies. The survey found:
China, Emerging Markets Come Online
In October 2021, Chinese sovereign bonds will be added to the FTSE WGBI, opening a major new section of the fixed income market to institutional investors. China's inclusion in this index also points to a normalization of investment and operations, as well as a normalization of liquidity and hedging requirements.
About the Survey
This survey was conducted online in May of 2021. There were 360 respondents who were limited to senior leaders and senior portfolio managers who are directly involved in fixed income portfolio construction and investment decisions at pension funds, wealth managers, asset managers, and sovereign wealth funds. For more information, see the full report: www.ssga.com/insights/fixed-income-research.
About State Street Global Advisors
For four decades, State Street Global Advisors has served the world's governments, institutions and financial advisors. With a rigorous, risk-aware approach built on research, analysis and market-tested experience, we build from a breadth of active and index strategies to create cost-effective solutions. As stewards, we help portfolio companies see that what is fair for people and sustainable for the planet can deliver long-term performance. And, as pioneers in index, ETF, and ESG investing, we are always inventing new ways to invest. As a result, we have become the world's third-largest asset manager with US $3.9 trillion* under our care.
*This figure is presented as of June 30, 2021 and includes approximately $64 billion of assets with respect to SPDR® products for which State Street Global Advisors Funds Distributors, LLC (SSGA FD) acts solely as the marketing agent. SSGA FD and State Street Global Advisors are affiliated.
Important Risk Information
All forms of investments carry risks, including the risk of losing all of the invested amount. Such activities may not be suitable for everyone.
The information provided does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such.
© 2021 State Street Corporation - All Rights Reserved
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Olivia Offner
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