Market insights

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Global corporate bonds are offering attractive returns, while their valuations are not as high as it may appear at first glance. Technical factors offer good support, but a somewhat more defensive positioning in the second half of the year seems prudent.

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After a positive first half of the year, high-yield bonds still offer high yields and therefore an effective buffer in case of widening spreads. We consider the relatively high valuations to be justified in view of the solid fundamentals.

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Investment-grade corporate bonds should be able to withstand an economic slowdown well. They therefore still appear attractive in a scenario of falling inflation and corresponding interest rate cuts by the Fed, despite delays.