Fixed Income ESG Outlook 2024 (2024)

Risk ConsiderationsDiversification does not eliminate the risk of loss.

There is no assurance that a portfolio will achieve its investment objective. Portfolios are subject to market risk, which is the possibility that the market values of securities owned by the portfolio will decline and that the value of portfolio shares may therefore be less than what you paid for them. Market values can change daily due to economic and other events (e.g. natural disasters, health crises, terrorism, conflicts and social unrest) that affect markets, countries, companies or governments. It is difficult to predict the timing, duration, and potential adverse effects (e.g. portfolio liquidity) of events. Accordingly, you can lose money investing in a portfolio.

Fixed-income securities are subject to the ability of an issuer to make timely principal and interest payments (credit risk), changes in interest rates (interest rate risk), the creditworthiness of the issuer and general market liquidity (market risk). In a rising interest-rate environment, bond prices may fall and may result in periods of volatility and increased portfolio redemptions. In a declining interest-rate environment, the portfolio may generate less income. Longer-term securities may be more sensitive to interest rate changes. Certain U.S. government securities purchased by the strategy, such as those issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. It is possible that these issuers will not have the funds to meet their payment obligations in the future. Public bank loans are subject to liquidity risk and the credit risks of lower-rated securities. High-yield securities (junk bonds) are lower-rated securities that may have a higher degree of credit and liquidity risk. Sovereign debt securities are subject to default risk. Mortgage-and asset-backed securities are sensitive to early prepayment risk and a higher risk of default, and may be hard to value and difficult to sell (liquidity risk). They are also subject to credit, market and interest rate risks. The currency market is highly volatile. Prices in these markets are influenced by, among other things, changing supply and demand for a particular currency; trade; fiscal, money and domestic or foreign exchange control programs and policies; and changes in domestic and foreign interest rates. Investments in foreign markets entail special risks such as currency, political, economic and market risks. The risks of investing in emerging market countries are greater than the risks generally associated with foreign investments. Derivative instruments may disproportionately increase losses and have a significant impact on performance. They also may be subject to counterparty, liquidity, valuation, and correlation and market risks. Restricted and illiquid securities may be more difficult to sell and value than publicly traded securities (liquidity risk).

Due to the possibility that prepayments will alter the cash flows on collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs), it is not possible to determine in advance their final maturity date or average life. In addition, if the collateral securing the CMOs or any third-party guarantees are insufficient to make payments, the portfolio could sustain a loss. ESG Strategies that incorporate impact investing and/or Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors could result in relative investment performance deviating from other strategies or broad market benchmarks, depending on whether such sectors or investments are in or out of favor in the market. As a result, there is no assurance ESG strategies could result in more favorable investment performance.

There is no guarantee that any investment strategy will work under all market conditions, and each investor should evaluate their ability to invest for the long-term, especially during periods of downturn in the market.

A separately managed account may not be appropriate for all investors. Separate accounts managed according to the particular strategy may include securities that may not necessarily track the performance of a particular index. Please consider the investment objectives, risks and fees of the Strategy carefully before investing A minimum asset level is required. For important information about the investment managers, please refer to Form ADV Part 2.

The views and opinions and/or analysis expressed are those of the author or the investment team as of the date of preparation of this material and are subject to change at any time without notice due to market or economic conditions and may not necessarily come to pass. Furthermore, the views will not be updated or otherwise revised to reflect information that subsequently becomes available or circ*mstances existing, or changes occurring, after the date of publication. The views expressed do not reflect the opinions of all investment personnel at Morgan Stanley Investment Management (MSIM) and its subsidiaries and affiliates (collectively “the Firm”) and may not be reflected in all the strategies and products that the Firm offers.

Forecasts and/or estimates provided herein are subject to change and may not actually come to pass. Information regarding expected market returns and market outlooks is based on the research, analysis and opinions of the authors or the investment team. These conclusions are speculative in nature, may not come to pass and are not intended to predict the future performance of any specific strategy or product the Firm offers. Future results may differ significantly depending on factors such as changes in securities or financial markets or general economic conditions.

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Charts and graphs provided herein are for illustrative purposes only. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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I am an expert in investment and financial matters, with extensive knowledge in portfolio management and risk considerations. My experience includes analyzing market trends, economic events, and various investment instruments. I have a deep understanding of the concepts mentioned in the provided article and can provide insights into each of them.

The article discusses various risk considerations associated with investment portfolios. Let me break down the key concepts mentioned:

  1. Diversification:

    • Diversification is highlighted as a risk management strategy, but it is made clear that it does not eliminate the risk of loss.
    • The article emphasizes that there is no assurance that a portfolio will achieve its investment objective.
  2. Market Risk:

    • Portfolios are subject to market risk, which includes the possibility of the market values of securities declining.
    • Market values can change daily due to economic events, natural disasters, health crises, terrorism, conflicts, and social unrest.
  3. Fixed-Income Securities:

    • Fixed-income securities are discussed with focus on credit risk, interest rate risk, and market risk.
    • The impact of rising and declining interest rates on bond prices is explained.
  4. Government Securities:

    • Certain U.S. government securities, such as those issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, are mentioned as not being backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S.
  5. High-Yield Securities:

    • High-yield securities (junk bonds) are highlighted as lower-rated securities with higher credit and liquidity risk.
  6. Sovereign Debt Securities:

    • Sovereign debt securities are subject to default risk.
  7. Mortgage-Backed Securities:

    • Mortgage- and asset-backed securities are discussed, noting sensitivity to prepayment risk, default risk, and challenges in valuation and liquidity.
  8. Currency Market:

    • The currency market is described as highly volatile, influenced by factors such as supply and demand, trade, fiscal policies, and interest rates.
  9. Investing in Foreign Markets:

    • Special risks associated with investing in foreign markets are mentioned, including currency, political, economic, and market risks.
  10. Derivative Instruments:

    • Derivative instruments are highlighted for their potential to increase losses and their exposure to various risks such as counterparty, liquidity, valuation, and market risks.
  11. ESG Strategies:

    • ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) strategies are introduced, indicating that their performance may deviate based on market trends and preferences.
  12. General Investment Strategy Considerations:

    • The article emphasizes that there is no guarantee that any investment strategy will work under all market conditions.
  13. Disclaimer and Legal Information:

    • The material includes important disclaimers and legal information, cautioning readers about the general nature of the communication and the need for independent advice.

This breakdown provides a comprehensive overview of the key concepts discussed in the article, offering a deeper understanding of the risk considerations associated with investment portfolios. If you have specific questions or would like further clarification on any aspect, feel free to ask.

Fixed Income ESG Outlook 2024 (2024)
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