The post-2008 environment rewarded broad exposure to duration and credit, but that investment playbook has become less reliable. Higher inflation and more volatile interest rates have challenged the traditional diversification role of bonds, while tight credit spreads and relatively flat yield curves offer limited additional compensation for extending maturity or taking more credit risk.
As the PGIM Multi-Sector Credit Fund marks its tenth anniversary, the article examines a different approach. A shorter-duration starting point can help limit sensitivity to interest-rate movements while retaining meaningful exposure to income and credit opportunities. A global multi-sector mandate also broadens the opportunity set across regions, sectors, credit ratings and maturities.
Discover what a decade of market shocks has taught us about credit and why active sector allocation, bottom-up security selection and disciplined risk management may remain relevant for investors seeking income, diversification and resilience.
References to specific securities and their issuers are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended and should not be interpreted as recommendations to purchase or sell such securities. The securities referenced may or may not be held in the portfolio at the time of publication and, if such securities are held, no representation is being made that such securities will continue to be held.
The views expressed herein are those of PGIM investment professionals at the time the comments were made, may not be reflective of their current opinions, and are subject to change without notice. Neither the information contained herein nor any opinion expressed shall be construed to constitute investment advice or an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any securities mentioned herein. Neither PFI, its affiliates, nor their licensed sales professionals render tax or legal advice. Clients should consult with their attorney, accountant, and/or tax professional for advice concerning their particular situation. Certain information in this commentary has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable as of the date presented; however, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of such information, assure its completeness, or warrant such information will not be changed. The information contained herein is current as of the date of issuance (or such earlier date as referenced herein) and is subject to change without notice. The manager has no obligation to update any or all such information; nor do we make any express or implied warranties or representations as to the completeness or accuracy.
Any projections or forecasts presented herein are subject to change without notice. Actual data will vary and may not be reflected here. Projections and forecasts are subject to high levels of uncertainty. Accordingly, any projections or forecasts should be viewed as merely representative of a broad range of possible outcomes. Projections or forecasts are estimated based on assumptions, subject to significant revision, and may change materially as economic and market conditions change.
RISKS: An investment in the Fund involves a high degree of risk, including the risk that the entire amount invested may be lost. The Fund is primarily designed to purchase certain investments, which will introduce significant risk to the Fund, including asset performance, price volatility, administrative and counterparty risk. The return may increase or decrease as a result of currency fluctuations. Also, the use of financial derivative instruments may result in increased gains or losses within the Fund. There is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. Prospective and existing investors should carefully consider the risks involved in an investment in the Fund. In addition to reading this document, prospective and existing investors should read the Company’s Prospectus, Supplement and Key Investor Information Document (the “KIID”) or Key Information Document (the “KID”) (collectively the "Fund Documents") and consult their own legal, tax and financial advisors about the risks of investing in the Fund. Investments are not guaranteed by PGIM, its affiliates, or any governmental agency.
Bank Loans Risk: The Fund's ability to receive payments of principal and interest and other amounts in connection with loans (whether through participations, assignments or otherwise) will depend primarily on the financial condition of the borrower. The failure by the Fund to receive scheduled interest or principal payments on a loan because of a default, bankruptcy or any other reason may adversely affect the income of the Fund and reduce the value of its assets. Call Risk: If an issuer exercises its right to redeem a security prior to its maturity (a call), the Fund may not recoup the full amount of its initial investment and may be forced to re-invest in lower-yielding securities, securities with greater credit risks or with other less favourable features. Counterparty Risk: Risk of material investment exposure through contracts with a third party. Credit Risk: The value of debt securities may be adversely impacted by the erosion in the ability of the issuer to pay the amounts of interest and principal owed as they become due.
Emerging Market Risk: The Fund invests in emerging markets, which may experience political, market, social, regulatory, and/or economic instabilities. These instabilities may reduce the value of the Fund's investments.
Securitised Product Risk: Securitised products may be less liquid than other debt securities, may be prone to substantial price volatility and are subject to issuer repayment, counterparty and credit risk. Securitised products carry certain additional risks which may adversely impact the return on the securities, including: the possibility that distributions from collateral securities will not be adequate to make interest or other payments; the quality of the collateral may decline in value or default; and the possibility that the securitised products are subordinate to other classes. Socially Responsible Investment Risk: The Fund may achieve lower returns than an equivalent fund which does not pursue a socially responsible mandate. Sovereign Debt Risk: Sovereign debt risk is the risk that the governmental entity that controls the repayment of sovereign debt may not be able or willing to repay the principal and/or interest when due in accordance with the terms of such debt, due to factors related to its cash flow, its foreign reserves and political constraints, among others. If a governmental entity defaults, there may be few or no effective legal remedies for collecting on such debt.
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