Incorporated in this process is our focus on measuring the true risk of our portfolios – historically, one of the biggest challenges facing credit investors. We developed an innovative method to do so in 2003, based on the observation that the product of a bond’s credit spread and its duration – its Duration Times Spread – accurately predicts its future volatility. The concept of DTS has found its way into all aspects of how we manage our credit portfolios at Robeco and has become an industry standard for measuring risk.

In credit investing, where managing risk is a primary focus, a clear sustainability mindset is essential. In fact, we would argue that integrating long-term environmental, social and governance considerations into the investment process – as we have done since 2010 – is an important step in mitigating downside risk. Risks related to carbon emissions and how companies deal with these risks are now also integrated into our processes. In the end, these rigorous sustainability checks and balances help us identify credit opportunities that will potentially deliver longer-term rewards.

We’ve also built on this approach by creating investment strategies that specifically target certain sustainability goals. Our impact solutions include the SDG Credit range, our Global and US Green Bond strategies, and the Global Climate Credit and Global Climate Bonds strategies.

In addition to our fundamental credit strategies, we offer a suite of quantitative, factor-based credit strategies. Robeco’s work in quantitative fixed income dates back to 1995, and relies on an experienced and stable team that has produced award-winning academic publications and launched strategies providing a range of client solutions.