Fixed Income Monthly Comments - August 2026

Strata Credit Fund
During August, credit markets remained resilient despite a backdrop of ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and periodic volatility across risk assets. Market liquidity remained supportive, primary markets continued to function well, and investor demand for credit was underpinned by the continued search for yield. At the same time, issuer-specific developments increasingly drove performance, reinforcing the importance of fundamental credit analysis and selective risk-taking.
From a macroeconomic perspective, central banks maintained a patient and data-dependent stance, with market participants closely monitoring inflation dynamics and the broader economic outlook. The absence of an imminent shift in policy expectations provided a degree of support for risk sentiment, although uncertainty around growth and geopolitical developments remains elevated. Fed chairman Warsh turned out hawkish at his Jackson Hole speech judging growth as resilient and labour markets as near full employment, but flagged inflation as predominant concern.
The fund has maintained a defensive positioning, with limited trading activity and a continued focus on liquidity preservation. Looking ahead, potential positive catalysts include continued resilience in corporate fundamentals, stable access to funding markets and supportive technical conditions. Risks remain centred on geopolitical developments, episodic volatility across risk assets and the possibility that tighter financial conditions weigh more heavily on weaker borrowers. In this environment, distinguishing between stronger and more challenged business models remains increasingly important.
Global Bond Total Return
August 2026 brought renewed pressure on global sovereign debt, driving yields higher across major markets. The US 10-year Treasury yield trended upward throughout the period, finishing the month near 4.75% as markets weighed fiscal dynamics and shifting Federal Reserve policy expectations. In Europe, the German 10-year Bund yield experienced also a small surge, reaching multi-year highs to close August around 3.25%. In currency markets, the US dollar broadly weakened, allowing the euro to strengthen as the EUR/USD exchange rate climbed from the low 1.15 range to end the month near 1.16. Meanwhile, corporate bonds demonstrated resilience amid the interest rate volatility; global investment grade credit spreads were flat as sustained investor demand and solid corporate fundamentals supported risk appetite.
At the portfolio level, the rise in sovereign yields resulted in rates being a small detractor from overall performance. This duration drag was offset by our other exposures, with both credit and FX acting as small contributors due to the credit spreads and favourable currency movements. In terms of portfolio activity, we continued to switch some of our GBP duration into USD duration to optimise our yield curve positioning and capture relative value. Overall, our aggregate duration exposure remains actively managed and positioned above the five-year mark.
At month-end, the RAM (Lux) Tactical Funds – Global Bond Total Return Fund’s (Class B USD*) maintained a duration of 5.5 years, an average credit quality of AA-, and a yield of 5.3%.**
*The performance is gross of management fees and operational costs (0.60% management fee and 0.40% of operational costs, for a TER of approximately 1%). Please click on the above link to access the fund factsheet and obtain a global overview of performance since inception. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.
** Credit Rating: a parameter used by banks and lending institutions to determine whether an applicant is deserving of the confidence necessary for the granting of a loan. This parameter makes it possible to measure the risk of consumer default and determine the economic conditions applicable to consumers. The highest rating is indicated by the letters AAA — the indication of highest financial security. This is followed by AA, A, BBB, BB, etc. The lowest credit rating corresponds to the letter C, identifying a high risk of financial default.
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Legal Disclaimer
The Strata Credit Fund is a Sub-Fund of RAM (Lux) Tactical Funds II, a Luxembourg SICAV with registered office: 14, Boulevard Royal L-2449 Luxembourg, approved by the CSSF and constituting a UCITS (Directive 2009/65/EC). The sub-fund STRATA CREDIT FUND was created in the RAM (LUX) Tactical Funds II SICAV to receive the PALLADIUM FCP – RAM Mediobanca Strata UCITS Credit Fund sub-fund. The transfer was effective on 30th May 2024.
Please note that the performance shown reflects periods before the Sub-Fund’s transfer and was achieved under different regulatory and operational conditions, which may no longer apply. Notwithstanding this, the performance is based on investment objectives and policies that have not materially changed following the sub-fund's transfer and is attributable to investment objectives, policies, restrictions, and strategies that are compliant with UCITS regulations. The investment management function remains consistent, with no changes to the team responsible for managing the fund after the transfer. Importantly, there has been no material change in the level of fees charged to investors as a result of this transfer. For further information, please refer to the Prospectus.
The RAM (Lux) Tactical Funds – Global Bond Total Return is a Sub-Fund of RAM (Lux) Tactical Funds a Luxembourg SICAV with registered office: 14, Boulevard Royal L-2449 Luxembourg, approved by the CSSF and constituting a UCITS (Directive 2009/65/EC).
Please note that the share classes mentioned in this document may not be registered in your country of domicile.
This marketing document is only provided for information purposes to professional clients, and it does not constitute an offer, investment advice or a solicitation to subscribe shares in any jurisdiction where such an offer or solicitation would not be authorised or it would be unlawful. In particular, the Funds are not offered for sale in the United States or its territories and possessions, nor to any US Person (citizens or residents of the United States of America).
This document is confidential and is intended only for the use of the person to whom it was delivered; it may not be reproduced or distributed.
There is no guarantee that the holdings shown will be held in the future. The investment described concerns the acquisition of shares in the Sub-Fund and not in a specific underlying asset.
Past performance is not a guide to current or future results. There is no guarantee to get back the full amount invested. The performance data do not take into account fees and expenses charged on subscription and redemption of shares nor any taxes that may be levied. As a subscription fee calculation example, if an investor invests EUR 1000 in a fund with a subscription fee of 5%, the investor will pay to his financial intermediary EUR 50.00 on the investment amount, resulting with a subscribed amount of EUR 950.00 in fund shares. In addition, potential account keeping costs (by investor’s custodian) may reduce the performance. Some shares in the Sub-Fund apply a performance fee. Leverage intensifies the risk of potential increased losses or returns.
The Management Company may decide to terminate the marketing arrangement in place in any given country in accordance with Article 93a of Directive 2009/65/EC.
Changes in exchange rates may cause the NAV per share in the investor's base currency to fluctuate.
Particular attention is paid to the contents of this document but no guarantee, warranty or representation, express or implied, is given to the accuracy, correctness or completeness thereof.
Prior to any transaction, clients should check whether it is suited to their personal situation, and analyse the specific risks incurred, especially financial, legal and tax risks, and consult professional advisers if necessary.
Please refer to the Key Investor Information Document and prospectus with special attention to the risk warnings before investing. This Sub-Fund is classified as art.8 SFDR. For further information on ESG, please refer to
https://www.ram-ai.com/en/regulatory-information and the relevant Sub-Fund webpage, section "Sustainability-related disclosures".
The prospectus, constitutive documents and financial reports are available in English and French while PRIIPs KID are available in the relevant local languages. These documents can be obtained, free of charge, from the SICAVs’ and Management Company’s head office and www.ram-ai.com, its representative and distributor in Switzerland, RAM Active Investments S.A. and the relevant local representatives in the distribution countries.
Issued in Switzerland by RAM Active Investments S.A. which is authorised and regulated in Switzerland by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA). Issued in the European Union and the EEA by the authorised and regulated Management Company, Mediobanca Management Company S.A. 2 Boulevard de la Foire, 1528, Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
The source of the above-mentioned information (except if stated otherwise) is RAM Active Investments and the date of reference is the date of this document.
Swiss representative: Swiss Paying Agent:
RAM Active Investments S.A. CACEIS Bank, Montrouge, succursale de Nyon/Suisse
Rue du Rhône 8 Route de Signy 35
CH-1204 Genève CH-1260 Nyon
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