Nicolas Jullien
Head of High Yield & Credit Arbitrage
Candriam Bonds Euro High Yield
Fund details
AUM - 18 SEP 2024
EUR 2’946’194’828.96
SFDR Category
“Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation” : Regulation 2019/2088 on sustainability-related disclosures in the financial services sector
Article 8
Last NAV - 18 SEP 2024
EUR 155.74
NAV change (daily)
0.03%
Morningstar™ category
EAA Fund Other Bond
Morningstar™ Rating Overall
Morningstar is an independent provider of investment analysis. The Morningstar rating is a quantitative assessment of the past performance of a fund taking into account the risk and the costs charged. It does not take into account qualitative elements and is calculated on the basis of a (mathematical) formula. The funds are ranked by category and compared to similar funds, based on their score and receive one to five stars. In each category, the top 10% receive 5 stars, the next 22.5% 4 stars, the following 35% 3 stars, the next 22.5% 2 stars, and the last 10% receive 1 star. The rating is calculated monthly based on historical performance over 3, 5 and 10 years and does not take into account the future. )
Marketing Communication. Please refer to the prospectus of the fund and to the key investor information document before making any investment decision. The documents can be obtained free of charge.
Risks
Lower Risk
Potentially lower return
Higher Risk
Potentially higher return
1
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5
6
7
Definition
The summary risk indicator ("SRI") is an indicator with a rating ranging from 1 to 7 and corresponds to increasing levels of risk and return. The methodology for calculating this regulatory indicator is available in the KID.
The summary risk indicator ("SRI") is a guide to the level of risk of this product compared to other products.
It shows how likely it is that the product will lose money because of movements in the markets or because we are not able to pay you.;
The summary risk indicator ("SRI") is an indicator with a rating ranging from 1 to 7 and corresponds to increasing levels of risk and return. The methodology for calculating this regulatory indicator is available in the KID.<br>The summary risk indicator ("SRI") is a guide to the level of risk of this product compared to other products.<br> It shows how likely it is that the product will lose money because of movements in the markets or because we are not able to pay you.
Historical NAV
Candriam Bonds Euro High Yield
Historical NAV
100% ML Euro HY BB-B Non-Fin Hedged CHF
R Cap
This graph represents the synthetic net asset value of the fund. It is provided for information and illustrative purposes only. The synthetic net asset value is obtained by a recalculation of the values of the fund’s assets by leveling out the effect of securities transactions (split, coupon, dividend distribution...) in order to reflect the real performance of the fund share or unit. Data may be rounded for convenience. Data expressed in a currency other than that of the investor's country of residence is subject to exchange rate fluctuations, with a positive or negative impact. Gross performance may be impacted by commissions, fees and other expenses.
Legal documents
Select and download all documents
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About this fund
Candriam Bonds Euro High Yield (hereafter "the fund"), a sub-fund of the Candriam Bonds sicav, aims to use discretionary management to benefit from the performance of the market in high yield bonds denominated in EUR and issued by private sector issuers, and to outperform the benchmark. These high yield securities are generally poorly rated and exposed to higher credit risk and liquidity risk than more highly rated securities; they may be subject to greater market value fluctuations and lower liquidity. The fund may be appropriate for investors who wish to achieve this objective over a medium investment holding period and who are aware of, understand and are able to bear the specific risks of the fund. The fund promotes, among other characteristics, environmental and/or social characteristics but does not have sustainable investment as its objective. The investment horizon is 3 years. The fund is actively managed and the investment process implies referring to a benchmark index. For further information on the risks or the benchmark and its use, please consult the fund’s key information document (KID).
Principal assets traded:
Bonds and other debt securities denominated in euros with an issuer or issue rating above B-/B3 (or equivalent) by one of the rating agencies (i.e. issuers or issues considered to be high risk).
Derivative products of issuers of the same quality.
Investment strategy:
The fund seeks to achieve capital growth by investing in the principal assets traded and to outperform the benchmark.
The management team makes discretionary investment choices based on economic/financial analyses.
The fund promotes, among other characteristics, environmental and/or social characteristics but does not have sustainable investment as its objective. The analysis of ESG aspects (environment, social, governance) is included in the selection, analysis and global evaluation of companies. The Fund also aims to exclude investments in companies which do not respect certain recognised international standards and principles, or which are significantly exposed to certain controversial activities. Under certain conditions, the analysis and selection process may also be accompanied by active involvement based on dialogue with the companies. For more information, please see the management company's website and/or the prospectus.
The fund may make use of derivative products for both investment and hedging purposes (to protect against future unfavourable financial events).
Benchmark: ICE BofA BB-B Euro Non-Financial High Yield Constrained Index (Total Return).
The fund is managed actively and the investment approach implies a reference to a benchmark (the index).
Benchmark definition:
The index measures the performance of below investment grade euro-denominated corporate bonds outside the financial sector issued on domestic markets in the euro zone or euro bonds, and with issuer exposure capped at 3%.
Use of the benchmark:
- as an investment universe. In general, the issuers of financial instruments contained in the fund portfolio are mostly contained in the index. However, investments outside this index are authorised,
- in determining risk levels/parameters,
- for performance comparison purposes,
- to calculate the performance fee for some share classes.
Divergence of portfolio composition from the benchmark:
As the fund is managed actively, it does not aim to invest in each component of the index nor to invest in the same proportions as the components of the index.
In normal market conditions, the expected tracking error of the fund will be moderate to large, namely between 0.75% and 3%.
This measure is an estimation of the divergence of the fund’s performance compared to the performance of the benchmark. The greater the tracking error, the greater the deviations from the benchmark index. The actual tracking error depends in particular on market conditions (volatility and correlations between financial instruments) and may therefore differ from the expected tracking error.
Bonds and other debt securities denominated in euros with an issuer or issue rating above B-/B3 (or equivalent) by one of the rating agencies (i.e. issuers or issues considered to be high risk).
Derivative products of issuers of the same quality.
Investment strategy:
The fund seeks to achieve capital growth by investing in the principal assets traded and to outperform the benchmark.
The management team makes discretionary investment choices based on economic/financial analyses.
The fund promotes, among other characteristics, environmental and/or social characteristics but does not have sustainable investment as its objective. The analysis of ESG aspects (environment, social, governance) is included in the selection, analysis and global evaluation of companies. The Fund also aims to exclude investments in companies which do not respect certain recognised international standards and principles, or which are significantly exposed to certain controversial activities. Under certain conditions, the analysis and selection process may also be accompanied by active involvement based on dialogue with the companies. For more information, please see the management company's website and/or the prospectus.
The fund may make use of derivative products for both investment and hedging purposes (to protect against future unfavourable financial events).
Benchmark: ICE BofA BB-B Euro Non-Financial High Yield Constrained Index (Total Return).
The fund is managed actively and the investment approach implies a reference to a benchmark (the index).
Benchmark definition:
The index measures the performance of below investment grade euro-denominated corporate bonds outside the financial sector issued on domestic markets in the euro zone or euro bonds, and with issuer exposure capped at 3%.
Use of the benchmark:
- as an investment universe. In general, the issuers of financial instruments contained in the fund portfolio are mostly contained in the index. However, investments outside this index are authorised,
- in determining risk levels/parameters,
- for performance comparison purposes,
- to calculate the performance fee for some share classes.
Divergence of portfolio composition from the benchmark:
As the fund is managed actively, it does not aim to invest in each component of the index nor to invest in the same proportions as the components of the index.
In normal market conditions, the expected tracking error of the fund will be moderate to large, namely between 0.75% and 3%.
This measure is an estimation of the divergence of the fund’s performance compared to the performance of the benchmark. The greater the tracking error, the greater the deviations from the benchmark index. The actual tracking error depends in particular on market conditions (volatility and correlations between financial instruments) and may therefore differ from the expected tracking error.
Investment Team
Thomas Joret
Senior Fund Manager
Sichong Qi
Fund Manager / Credit Analyst HY
Historical NAV
Historical NAV
Candriam Bonds Euro High Yield
Historical NAV
100% ML Euro HY BB-B Non-Fin Hedged CHF
R Cap
This graph represents the synthetic net asset value of the fund. It is provided for information and illustrative purposes only. The synthetic net asset value is obtained by a recalculation of the values of the fund’s assets by leveling out the effect of securities transactions (split, coupon, dividend distribution...) in order to reflect the real performance of the fund share or unit. Data may be rounded for convenience. Data expressed in a currency other than that of the investor's country of residence is subject to exchange rate fluctuations, with a positive or negative impact. Gross performance may be impacted by commissions, fees and other expenses.
Cumulative Return
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performances. Markets could develop very differently in the future.
It can help you assess how the fund has been managed in the past.
| 1 Year | 3 Year | 5 Year | 10 Year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fund | 10.83 | 2.17 | 2.93 | 3.88 |
| Benchmark | 11.50 | 1.41 | 2.14 | 3.16 |
| Difference | -0.66 | 0.76 | 0.79 | 0.72 |
Additional information
The returns listed above are provided on the basis of the Net Asset Value (NAV), net of commissions and reinvested income. All management fees and commissions are included in the calculation of past performance except for any entry and exit charges. Taxes are not included in the calculation of returns. The value or price converted into euros may be reduced or increased depending on fluctuations in the exchange rate. The fund is not a guaranteed investment. The NAVs are net of fees and are provided by the accounting department and the benchmark by the official providers.
Market developments (currency conversion, coupon, split, …) have an influence on the chart. This graph is provided for information purposes only and does not precisely illustrate the evolution of the fund's net assets. Data may be rounded for convenience. Data expressed in a currency other than that of the investor's country of residence is subject to exchange rate fluctuations, with a positive or negative impact. Gross performance may be impacted by commissions, fees and other expenses
Annual return
This chart shows the fund’s performance as the percentage loss or gain per year over the last 9 years.
It can help you to assess how the fund has been managed in the past and compare it to its benchmark.
Past performance is no guarantee of future results and is not constant over time. Markets could develop very differently in the future. It can help you to assess how the fund has been managed in the past. Returns are calculated in the fund's currency.
The index composition may change over time. The performance reported may therefore differ from the performance of the relevant index before its change. Performance is shown after deduction of ongoing charges. Any entry and exit charges are excluded from the calculation. Performances expressed in a currency other than that of the investor's country of residence are subject to exchange rate fluctuations, with a negative or positive impact on gains. If the present document refers to a specific tax treatment, such information depends on the individual situation of each investor and may change. If for one year, there is no performance information, it is because there is no data or the data is insufficient to provide investors with useful or reliable indications on this performance.
| 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fund | 4.28 % | 7.76 % | 5.62 % | -2.39 % | 10.76 % | 4.40 % | 2.13 % | -9.09 % | 11.97 % | |
| Benchmark | -0.05 % | 10.18 % | 5.86 % | -3.26 % | 10.21 % | 1.71 % | 2.86 % | -11.39 % | 12.18 % | |
| Difference | 4.33 % | -2.43 % | -0.24 % | 0.87 % | 0.55 % | 2.68 % | -0.73 % | 2.29 % | -0.21 % |
Additional information
The returns listed above are provided on the basis of the Net Asset Value (NAV), net of commissions and reinvested income. All management fees and commissions are included in the calculation of past performance except for any entry and exit charges. Taxes are not included in the calculation of returns. The value or price converted into euros may be reduced or increased depending on fluctuations in the exchange rate. The fund is not a guaranteed investment. The NAVs are net of fees and are provided by the accounting department and the benchmark by the official providers.
Market developments (currency conversion, coupon, split, …) have an influence on the chart. This graph is provided for information purposes only and does not precisely illustrate the evolution of the fund's net assets. Data may be rounded for convenience. Data expressed in a currency other than that of the investor's country of residence is subject to exchange rate fluctuations, with a positive or negative impact. Gross performance may be impacted by commissions, fees and other expenses
Risk And Reward Indicators
Lower Risk
Potentially lower return
Higher Risk
Potentially higher return
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Definition
The summary risk indicator ("SRI") is an indicator with a rating ranging from 1 to 7 and corresponds to increasing levels of risk and return. The methodology for calculating this regulatory indicator is available in the KID.<br>The summary risk indicator ("SRI") is a guide to the level of risk of this product compared to other products.<br> It shows how likely it is that the product will lose money because of movements in the markets or because we are not able to pay you.- SRI Date
- SRI Value
- 3
Main Risks
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Counterparty Risk
When the fund carry out over-the-counter transactions (i.e. involving instruments not listed on the markets), they are exposed to a risk of default by the counterparty to the transaction.
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Credit risk
It constitutes the risk that an issuer or a counterparty default. This risk includes the risk of changes in credit spreads and default risk. The level of credit risk is usually evaluated by using “ratings” representing a comparative assessment of the credit quality (solvency level) of an issuer, issuer or portfolio. “High Yield” investments present the lowest rating levels and therefore a high credit risk.
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Derivative risk
Derivatives are investments whose value depends on (or is derived from) the value of an underlying instrument, such as a security, asset, reference rate or index. Derivative strategies often involve leverage, which may exaggerate a loss, potentially causing the Sub-Fund to lose more money than it would have lost had it invested in the underlying instrument. Using derivatives may result in a higher portfolio volatility related to this underlying asset and an increase of the counterparty risk.
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ESG Investment Risk
ESG investment risk refers to the risks arising from the inclusion of ESG factors in the management process, such as the exclusion of activities or issuers and the inclusion of sustainability risks in the selection and/or allocation of issuers in the portfolio.
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Interest rate risk
A change in interest rates, resulting notably from inflation, may cause a risk of losses and reduce the net asset value of the fund.
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Liquidity risk
lt occurs when a portfolio position cannot be sold, liquidated or closed at a limited cost and within a sufficiently short time, which jeopardizing the fund's ability to comply at any time with its obligations to redeem the shares of investors at their request.
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Risk of loss of capital
Investors are advised that any capital they invest is not guaranteed and that they may therefore not receive back the full amount invested. They may thus suffer a loss.
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Sustainability Risk
The sustainability risk refers to any environmental, social or governance event or condition that could affect the performance and / or the reputation of issuers in the portfolio. It may be issuer specific, in line with their activities and practices, but may also be due to external factors.
Other Risks
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Conservation risk
The insolvency, negligence or fraudulent acts of a custodian or a sub-custodian may result in the loss of assets. This risk is mitigated by the regulatory obligations of the depositaries.
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Currency risk
Funds may hold exposure to a currency different from its valuation currency. Changes in the exchange rate of this currency may negatively affect the value of assets in the portfolio.
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Delivery risk
In case of liquidation of assets that are subject to a transaction with a counterparty, this last, although contractually obliged, may not be able in operational terms to return the assets quickly enough to allow the fund to honour the sale of these instruments on the market..
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Emerging market risk
These markets are characterized by higher volatility issues and a lower liquidity because of legal, political and structural matters. Market movements can be stronger and faster on emerging markets than on “developed markets”, which can lead to a substantial decline in the net asset value in the event of the adverse movements relative to the positions taken.
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Equity Risk
Some funds may be exposed to equity market risk through direct investment (through transferable securities and/or derivative products), meaning submitted to the positive or negative evolution of stock exchanges. These evolutions can be huge and be mainly driven by expectations relative to macro-economy and company results, speculation and irrational factors (including trends, opinions or rumours).
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Legal risk
Litigations of all kinds can occur with a counterparty or a third party. The Management Company aims to reduce these risks by putting in place controls and procedures.
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Operational risk
Operational risk encompasses the risks of direct or indirect loss related to a number of factors (eg human errors, fraud and malicious acts, information system failures and external events, etc.) that could have an impact on the fund and / or the investors. The Management Company aims to reduce this risk through the implementation of controls and procedures.
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Risk of conflict of interest
The selection of a counterparty based on reasons other than the sole interest of the fund and/or unequal treatment in the management of similar portfolios can result in conflicts of interest.
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Volatility risk
A fund may be exposed (taking directional positions or using arbitrage strategies for example) to market volatility risk and could therefore, based on its exposure, suffer losses in the event of changes in the volatility level of these markets.
Further details on risks associated with investing in this fund, with a general explanation of the various risk factors is available in the section Risk factors of the Prospectus and in the KID.
Risk And Reward Indicators 30/8/24
- Sharpe Ratio
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0.06
- Tracking error
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1.02 %
- Volatility
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5.49 %
- Average Rating
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BB-
- Average Spread
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234.32
- Credit Sensitivity
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3.51
- Number of Issues
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116
- Number of Issuers
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72
- Modified Duration to Worst
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2.70
- Net High Yield exposure
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80.92 %
- Net Investment Grade exposure
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9.56 %
- Yield to Worst
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5.90
This is the portfolio partial view
Companies
Level 1 - Company-Wide Exclusion Policy
Candriam's Controversial Activities Analysis excludes companies involved in harmful or controversial activities. Involvement is assessed using activity-specific revenuebased threshold levels.
Stewardship
Engagement
Engaging with companies through active one-on-one or collaborative dialogue to encourage disclosure and transparency as well as environmental, social and governance best practices.;
KPIs
Carbon footprint Corporate - Scope 1&2 Lower than bench
Company’s carbon emissions measured in tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2-eq) per year. Three scopes of carbon emissions can be distinguished:
• Scope 1 emissions are direct emissions from owned or controlled sources
• Scope 2 emissions are indirect emissions from the generation of purchased energy
• Scope 3 emissions are all indirect emissions (not included in scope 2) that occur in the value chain of the reporting company, including both upstream and downstream emissions
Candriam includes scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions in published figures. Scope 3 will be included as soon as we consider the data accurate and stable.
The carbon footprint measure the assetweighted carbon emissions of a portfolio normalized per million $ invested (expressed in tCO2-eq / million $ invested).
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60%
Min Investments Environmental Social characteristics rate -
10%
Min sustainable investments rate -
0%
Min sustainable investments environmental rate -
0%
Min sustainable investments social rate
Fund Characteristics
- Fund name
- Candriam Bonds Euro High Yield
- Benchmark
- 100% ML Euro HY BB-B Non-Fin Hedged CHF
- Share Class
- R - Cap
- SICAV Name
- Candriam Bonds
- Currency
- EUR
- Legal Form
- Sub-fund of a SICAV under Luxembourg law
- Legal status
- UCITS
- SFDR Category
- Article 8
- Creation Date
- Closing date
- The fund has no limited term
- Domicile Country
- Luxembourg
- First NAV Date
- 4/2/14
- Bloomberg ticker
- DEXHYLR LX Equity
- Morningstar ticker
- F00000QU8L
- Management company, having its registered office in Luxembourg
- CANDRIAM, management Company having its registered office in Luxembourg.
- Depository bank
- CACEIS Bank, Luxembourg Branch
- Transfer agent
- CACEIS Bank, Luxembourg Branch
- Recommended investment horizon
- 3 years
- Anti Dilution system
- yes
- ISIN
- LU0942153742
Swing Pricing is a mechanism by which the net asset value is adjusted upwards (or downwards) if the change in liabilities is positive (or negative) in such a way as to reduce for existing investors the portfolio restructuring costs linked to subscription/ redemption movements in the fund. On valuation days where the difference between the amount of subscriptions and the amount of redemptions of a sub-fund (i.e. net transactions) exceeds a threshold set beforehand by the Board of Directors, the latter shall be entitled to:
- value the net asset value by adding to the assets (in the case of net subscriptions) or deducting from assets (at net redemptions) a fixed percentage of the fees corresponding to market practices and reflecting the fees and/or conditions of liquidity when buying or selling securities;
- value the securities portfolio on the basis of bid or ask prices;
- assess the net asset value by setting a level of spreads representative of the relevant market;
- The dilution mechanism must not exceed 2% of the net asset value, except in exceptional circumstances, as in the event of a sharp decrease in liquidity, which would then be detailed for the sub-fund concerned in the annual (semi-) annual report of the SICAV.
Tax, Charges & Fees
- Management fees (max)
- 0.70 %
- Subscription
- 2.50 %
- Redemption
- 0.00 %
- Ogc date
- Last ogc
- 0.92 %
This list is not exhaustive, the sub-fund incurs other costs further information on fees and charges is available in the KID/Prospectus to allow investors to understand the overall impact of costs on the amount of their investment and on the expected returns.
Orders
- NAV date
- D
- NAV calculation Day
- D+1
- Frequency valuation
- daily
- Subscription cut off
- D 12:00
- Redemption cut off
- D 12:00
The corresponding time zone is the one associated with the fund's domicile.
ESG documents
Download all ESG documentsShareholder Documents
Download all shareholder documentsFactsheet and Fund Comments
Download all fact sheet documentsAwards
Morningstar Awards for Investing Excellence
- Event date
- Category
- Best EUR Bond Fund
- Organiser
- Morningstar
The quality of the ranking, award or label obtained by the fund, or the management company depends on the quality of the issuing institution and the ranking, award or label does not guarantee the future results of the fund or the management company.
Other information
This is a marketing communication. Please refer to the prospectus of the funds and to the key information document before making any investment decision. This marketing communication does not constitute an offer to buy or sell financial instruments, nor does it represent an investment recommendation or confirm any kind of transaction, except where expressly agreed. Although Candriam selects carefully the data and sources within this document, errors or omissions cannot be excluded a priori. Candriam cannot be held liable for any direct or indirect losses as a result of the use of this document. The intellectual property rights of Candriam must be respected at all times, contents of this document may not be reproduced without prior written approval.
Warning: Past performance of a given financial instrument or index or an investment service or strategy, or simulations of past performance, or forecasts of future performance does not predict future returns. Gross performances may be impacted by commissions, fees and other expenses. Performances expressed in a currency other than that of the investor's country of residence are subject to exchange rate fluctuations, with a negative or positive impact on gains. If the present document refers to a specific tax treatment, such information depends on the individual situation of each investor and may change.
In respect to money market funds, please be aware that an investment in a fund is different from an investment in deposits and that the investment’s principal is capable of fluctuation. The fund does not rely on external support for guaranteeing its liquidity or stabilizing its NAV per unit or share. The risk of loss of the principal is borne by the investor.
Candriam consistently recommends investors to consult via our website https://www.candriam.com the key information document, prospectus, and all other relevant information prior to investing in one of our funds, including the net asset value (“NAV) of the funds. Investor rights and complaints procedure, are accessible on Candriam’s dedicated regulatory webpages https://www.candriam.com/en/professional/legal-information/regulatory-information/. This information is available either in English or in local languages for each country where the fund’s marketing is approved.
According to the applicable laws and regulations, Candriam may decide to terminate the arrangements made for the marketing of a relevant fund at any time.
Information on sustainability-related aspects: the information on sustainability-related aspects contained in this communication are available on Candriam webpage https://www.candriam.com/en/professional/sfdr/. The decision to invest in the promoted product should take into account all the characteristics or objectives of the promoted product as described in its prospectus, or in the information documents which are to be disclosed to investors in accordance with the applicable law.Notice to investors in Switzerland: The information provided herein does not constitute an offer of financial instruments in Switzerland pursuant to the Swiss Financial Services Act ("FinSA") and its implementing ordinance. This is solely an advertisement pursuant to FinSA and its implementing ordinance for financial instruments.
Swiss representative: CACEIS (Switzerland) SA, Route de Signy 35, CH-1260 Nyon. The legal documents as well as the latest annual and semi-annual financial reports, if any, of the investment funds may be obtained free of charge from the Swiss representative.
Swiss paying agent: CACEIS Bank, Paris, succursale de Nyon/Suisse, Route de Signy, 35, CH-1260 Nyon.
Place of performance: Route de Signy 35, CH-1260 Nyon.
Place of jurisdiction: Route de Signy 35, CH-1260 Nyon.
ESG Assessment
The fund’s investment strategy aims to promote environmental or social characteristics, or a combination of these characteristics, provided that the entities in which the investments are made apply good governance practices. To achieve this objective, the management team makes discretionary investment choices based on an economic/financial analysis process and an internal analysis of environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria, based in part on data provided by external service providers.
a. ESG selection criteria:
For corporates, the internal analysis of ESG criteria consists in selecting the issuers:
• that are the best positioned to meet the challenges of sustainable development;
• that comply with the principles of the United Nations Global Compact (i.e. human rights, labour law, the environment, anti-corruption), and which are therefore less exposed to the risks associated with these themes; and
• that are not engaged in controversial activities such as armament (securities of a company whose activity consists of manufacturing, the use or possession of anti-personnel mines, cluster bombs and/or depleted uranium weapons), tobacco, thermal coal.
For sovereign issuers, the internal analysis of ESG criteria consists in selecting:
• Countries that perform best across our four categories of sustainable development criteria: Human Capital, Natural Capital, Social Capital and Economic Capital;
• Countries that are not part of our highly Oppressive Regimes or dictatorships, based on the Freedom House Freedom in the World Index and the World Bank Voice & Accountability Index.
b. Selection methodology:
The issuers favoured by the management company are subject to a dual analysis:
• Analysis of their activity to assess their alignment with the major challenges of sustainable development. For example, regarding the transition to a circular economy, the management company will consider a company producing recycled steel to be more sustainable than a company producing steel exclusively from iron ore; and
• Analysis of how the company manages players interacting with the company: its employees, its customers, its shareholders, its suppliers and the environment. Here too, the management company will favour companies that adopt the most sustainable practices given their sector. For example, with regard to relations with its clients, the management company will favour pharmaceutical companies with balanced pricing practices and commercial policies. Similarly, with regard to relations with their employees, the management company attaches great importance to the fight against discrimination and compliance with social standards.
Our sovereign investible universe consists of those countries which perform best across our four categories of sustainable development criteria:
• Natural Capital: stock of naturel resources managed by the country;
• Social Capital: trust, norms and institutions which people can rely on to solve common problems and create social cohesion;
• Human Capital: human productivity to which the country participates through education and other initiatives;
• Economic Capital: assessing the level of economic activity viability.
c. A team of ESG analysts is responsible for assessing the selection criteria:
ESG analysis and selection are carried out by a dedicated team of ESG analysts within Candriam. This team is made up of specialists whose mission is to analyse the exposure of companies and governments to the risks and opportunities associated with sustainable development. Selection criteria are expected to evolve over time, based on advances in ESG research and changes in company practices.