The JPM Strategic Bond Fund, to be managed by Bob Michele, will launch on 6 May 2009. It will be a “best ideas” global bond fund unconstrained by benchmarks or static sector weights.

The portfolio will be diversified, with broad allocations across global fixed income and currency markets, having the ability to invest in any market or sector including high yield debt and emerging markets.

Mr Michele joined JP Morgan Asset Management as global chief investment officer of fixed income in September 2008 and has hired several fixed income specialists, such as Lisa Coleman and Stephen Lear.

Jasper Berens, head of UK retail sales at JPAM, said: “The launch of the Strategic Bond Fund strongly solidifies our commitment to the fixed income space and having our fixed income CIO managing the fund further shows our commitment to the UK retail market.”