Australia looking good
Australia represents one of the most attractive global bond markets, according to a senior executive with bonds specialist Pimco.
The managing director of Pimco, Bill Gross, said in a live hook-up from the US this week that Australia’s interest rates and strong economy were attractive to global bond investors as opposed to the US, which is currently one of the least attractive markets.
Gross said the US economic outlook and the Australian economic outlook were at two different extremes.
He said the US was nearly or currently experiencing a recession, underpinned by a weakening financial asset base.
This was in stark contract to Australia, which was weathering the global financial storm with a more durable economy based on strong commodity exports, the lowest unemployment rate in 30 years and headline inflation of 3.5 per cent.
Gross said Pimco’s investment strategy was markedly different in the US and Australia.
He said that in the US, Pimco was focused on front-end yields and high quality credit but remained cautious on high yield bonds and corporate loans, whereas in Australia the company was moving into the front-end of the market, particularly with the recent purchase of the one-year forward rate.
Recommended for you
Equity offerings should be “seriously considered” by advice firms if they want to attract experienced advisers with the option viewed as a major differentiator for candidates seeking their next role.
DASH Technology Group has enacted two internal promotions, appointing a chief risk officer and chief commercial officer to strengthen the firm’s governance and operational capabilities.
The Stockbrokers and Investment Advisers Association has announced the appointment of its new chief executive following the exit of Judith Fox after six years.
Insignia Financial has appointed an experienced financial advice leader as head of education and advice on its Master Trust business, who joins from Ignition Advice,

