Jupiter AM has strengthened its Strategic Absolute Return Bond (SARB) team with the appointment of Huw Davies as Assistant Fund Manager of Fixed Income. He joined the firm in the summer of 2020 following the company’s acquisition of Merian Global Investors, where he started his previous role as Investment Director of Fixed Income in the same team.
In a press release, the asset manager has explained that Huw will now report directly into Mark Nash, Head of Fixed Income Alternatives, and will work alongside Assistant Fund Manager James Novotny, strengthening the resource dedicated to Jupiter’s alternative fixed income offering.
Following the Merian acquisition, the team’s flagship portfolio, the Jupiter Strategic Absolute Return Bond (ICVC) fund, has been incorporated into the firm’s offering. This vehicle looks to deliver positive total returns uncorrelated to bond and equity market conditions, with stable levels of volatility. Powered by its flexible approach to navigating volatile fixed income markets, the fund has delivered 18.23% over three years and 20.4% over five. The fund is Jupiter’s first footprint in the alternative fixed income space and has added a new dimension to the its existing Alternatives business.
In addition to Huw’s appointment, the company has also announced that it is strengthening the client-facing support offered to its flagship fixed income strategy with the promotion of Matthew Morgan to Investment Director, Fixed Income and Multi-Asset. Having joined Jupiter in 2019 as Product Specialist on its Multi-Asset strategy, in his new position he will co-ordinate the activities of the team of Investment Directors across the company’s £15.3 billion Fixed Income and £1.1 billion Multi-Asset ranges, leading a growing team of strategy specialists.
“Since the onset of the Covid pandemic, the policymaking landscape has dramatically changed. Fiscal spending is unlikely to disappear anytime soon as inequality and global warming issues are addressed. Central banks will remain supportive but will take more of a backseat, while ensuring that banking systems are in good health to support the recovery”, said Mark Nash.
In his view, this reflationary environment will see higher growth and higher inflation, with yields rising. “A more ‘absolute return’ approach will be needed to achieve positive returns from fixed income, and I am pleased to be welcoming Huw to the team at this important time in for the strategy”, he concluded.
For Funds Society, Madrid