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JP Morgan AM Says Intends To Launch UK-Listed Convertible Bond Fund
Stephen Little
8 April 2013
JP Morgan Asset Management is set to
launch a London-listed investment company dealing with global financial
convertible securities. The JP Morgan Global Convertibles Income Fund will be
managed by JP Morgan Asset Management’s convertible bond team, headed by Antony
Vallee. JP Morgan said
the company would initially target a 4.5 per cent annual dividend. “There has been a growing interest in convertible bonds as investors search
for yield. This, coupled with the rising trend of established companies
around the world turning to convertible bonds as a way of raising cash, means
that we believe the time is right for this investment company," said Antony Vallee, head of convertibles at JP
Morgan Asset Management. Vallee added that with quantitative easing in the US and continued instability in Europe, convertibles could provide investors with a "well-diversified
global portfolio and comfort in an unsure market". Simon Crinage, managing director
of investment trusts at JP Morgan Asset Management, said: "Convertibles
performed well in 2012 and we believe this is set to continue. The company will
focus on quality bonds that ensure investors get the benefits of stock market
upturns but with the protection of bonds, superior risk-adjusted total returns
and reduced volatility."