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Carmignac Sécurité: Letter from the Fund Managers

Author(s)
Marie-Anne ALLIER,Aymeric GUEDY
Published on
January 11, 2024
Read time
7 minute(s) read
+3.02%
Performance of the Fund in the fourth quarter vs +2.36% for its reference indicator1 (AW EUR Acc Share class).
+4.06%
Performance of the Fund over the year vs +3.41% for its reference indicator1 (AW EUR Acc Share class).
1st quartile
Of its Morningstar category over 5 years and 10 years Morningstar category: EUR Diversified Bond – Short Term.(AW EUR Acc Share class).

In the fourth quarter of 2023, Carmignac Sécurité gained 3.02%, while its reference indicator1rose by 2.36%. Over 2023, Carmignac Sécurité therefore posted a performance of +4.06% compared with +3.41% for its reference indicator1.

What happened on the fixed income markets during the quarter?

After fears of a "hard landing" for the global economy in the first quarter following the failures of several US banks and Credit Suisse, followed by a "no landing" in the second and third quarters, fuelled by the reacceleration of US growth and the resilience of the labour market on both sides of the Atlantic, financial markets ended the year with hopes of a "soft landing", buoyed by a faster and more widespread disinflation than expected, paving the way for an easing of monetary policy.

Against all expectations, inflation slowed in both Europe and the United States in the last quarter. CPI inflation in the euro area fell to 2.4% year-on-year in November from over 9% at the start of the year, a far cry from the 3.2% that markets had been expecting a few weeks earlier. And even core inflation, which tends to be more persistent, slowed from 5.7% to 3.6%, thanks in particular to the fall in services inflation, a measure closely watched by central banks, which has been below the 2% target on average over the past three months. Moreover, this slowdown is taking place at the expense of corporate margins, although wage increases are expected to slow this year, which should help bring inflation back in line with the target. All this means that central banks, including the ECB and the Fed, can end the fastest rate hike cycle ever and gradually prepare for the downward cycle of rate normalisation, reviving hopes of a soft landing for the economies, combining disinflation with sluggish but positive growth. Logically, bond yields collapsed in the final quarter of the year in the wake of the disinflation and central bank pivot, almost indiscriminately across the curve and across the major developed economies. Over the quarter, the German 2-year rate fell from 3.20% to 2.40% and the German 10-year rate from 2.84% to 2.02%, ending 2023 well below the levels seen at the beginning of January. Similarly, the US 10-year rate fell from 4.57% to 3.88% but ended the year close to its January level. The context of the last quarter was, of course, very buoyant for risky assets, with high-yield credit spreads in particular narrowing by almost 120 basis points (bp) on the iTraxx Xover synthetic index - although to a much lesser extent on the physical indices - and by almost 35 bp on Italian 10-year government bonds.

Performance

Although Carmignac Sécurité's performance over the year was mainly attributable to its carry, with an average yield to maturity over the period of around 5% – the highest it’s been since the sovereign debt crisis - interest rate markets remained particularly volatile during the period.

After a good performance in January, thanks to the encouraging combination of China's reopening, disinflation in Europe and the United States and robust economic data, the situation on the markets changed from February onwards, with a sharp rebound in core rates triggered by higher than expected inflation on both sides of the Atlantic and solid economic indicators (PMI, employment, retail sales, etc.), which led to a change in tone from the central banks. However, the month of March was particularly damaging, with the failure of three regional banks in the US and the difficulties of Credit Suisse in Europe leading to historic volatility in short-term interest rates and a sharp widening of credit spreads, which affected the positioning of the portfolio at the time.

From April, although the portfolio was affected by the rise in core yields in the second quarter, as we had maintained our overall modified duration at a relatively high level of around 3, performance recovered, with our Credit exposure benefiting from the tightening of credit spreads as concerns over the US regional banking crisis eased. Then, in September, the resilience of the economy, particularly in the US, led to a sharp re-rating of long-term interest rates, reflecting the prospect of a "high for longer" monetary policy, which negatively impacted performance.

Lastly, in the final quarter, the fixed income markets reversed their trend, benefiting from weaker-than-expected economic data and, above all, a marked slowdown in inflation, which prompted central banks to ease their monetary policy stance. Against this backdrop, Carmignac Sécurité benefited strongly from its rate strategies, particularly its high modified duration to European interest rates, which was over 3 at the start of the fourth quarter. This modified duration was initially concentrated on the short end, but as the market anticipated more rate cuts by the ECB in 2024, the Fund's modified duration was reduced and redirected towards longer maturities (5/10 years). The Fund also benefited from its credit strategies (almost 2/3 of the portfolio), boosted by the compression of margins across the entire asset class. The only slight downside was that the Fund took out credit protection a little too early via the iTraxx Xover synthetic index, which continued to tighten faster than the physical market, helped by subscriptions to credit funds, even though the primary market was already in a truce. Finally, the fund's carry continued to be a stable and steady source of performance, driven by an average yield of around 5%.

What is our outlook for the coming months?

Finally, we look forward to 2024 with confidence in the Fund's performance potential. After more than 18 months of historic declines in fixed income markets, the asset class is ripe with opportunity. Just look at the portfolio's yield to maturity, which, despite the year-end rally, remains at one of its highest levels since the sovereign debt crisis. At 4.6% at the start of the period, it will again be the main driver of performance next year. On the interest rate front, the Fund's modified duration was reduced significantly to just under 2 at the end of the year, a figure that could fall significantly if the put options on German bonds in the portfolio were exercised. Indeed, with record issuance expected in the first quarter and a market that has turned 180 degrees and is now pricing in almost 170 basis points of ECB rate cuts in 2024 as early as March, we believe a correction to the December rally is very likely. We have also added to our long positions on inflation, as the market seems to be claiming victory a little too quickly, especially in the run-up to the wage negotiations at the beginning of the year. We have also initiated a short position on Italian credit spreads, which are vulnerable to an interest rate correction as issuance resumes. Finally, on the credit side, we are maintaining a large allocation, almost two thirds of the portfolio, concentrated in short maturities with good ratings, which represent the bulk of the Fund's carry. Financials, energy and CLOs remain our 3 strongest convictions in this market segment. We also have tactical protection in the iTraxx Xover index (5.4% of assets), which fell sharply in an illiquid year-end market.

1ICE BofA ML 1-3 Y Euro All Government Index (EUR).

Carmignac Sécurité

Flexible, low duration solution to challenging European markets
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Carmignac Sécurité AW EUR Acc

ISIN: FR0010149120
Recommended minimum investment horizon
2 years
Risk indicator*
2/7
SFDR - Fund Classification**
Article 8

*Risk Scale from the KID (Key Information Document). Risk 1 does not mean a risk-free investment. This indicator may change over time. **Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) 2019/2088. The SFDR classification of the Funds may change over time.

Main risks of the fund

Interest Rate: Interest rate risk results in a decline in the net asset value in the event of changes in interest rates.
Credit: Credit risk is the risk that the issuer may default.
Risk of Capital Loss: The portfolio does not guarantee or protect the capital invested. Capital loss occurs when a unit is sold at a lower price than that paid at the time of purchase.
Currency: Currency risk is linked to exposure to a currency other than the Fund’s valuation currency, either through direct investment or the use of forward financial instruments.
The Fund presents a risk of loss of capital. Please refer to the Fund’s prospectus to view the exhaustive list of risks.

Fees

ISIN: FR0010149120
Entry costs
1.00% of the amount you pay in when entering this investment. This is the most you will be charged. Carmignac Gestion doesn't charge any entry fee. The person selling you the product will inform you of the actual charge.
Exit costs
We do not charge an exit fee for this product.
Management fees and other administrative or operating costs
1.11% of the value of your investment per year. This estimate is based on actual costs over the past year.
Performance fees
There is no performance fee for this product. 
Transaction Cost
0.11% of the value of your investment per year. This is an estimate of the costs incurred when we buy and sell the investments underlying the product. The actual amount varies depending on the quantity we buy and sell.

Performance

ISIN: FR0010149120
Carmignac Sécurité−0.0+2.3+5.3+4.1−4.8+0.2+2.0+3.6−3.0+0.0
Reference Indicator+0.2+2.3+3.2+3.4−4.8−0.7−0.2+0.1−0.3−0.4
Carmignac Sécurité+3.4%+1.3%+0.9%
Reference Indicator+2.5%+0.8%+0.3%

Source: Carmignac at Oct 30, 2026.
Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future performance. Performances are net of fees (excluding possible entrance fees charged by the distributor). The Fund presents a risk of loss of capital.
The return may increase or decrease as a result of currency fluctuations, for the shares which are not currency-hedged.

Reference Indicator: ICE BofA 1-3 Year All Euro Government index

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Marketing communication. Please refer to the KID/KIID, prospectus of the fund before making any final investment decisions. This document is intended for professional clients.

This material may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without prior authorisation from the Management Company. This material does not constitute a subscription offer, nor does it constitute investment advice. This material is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, accounting, legal or tax advice. This material has been provided to you for informational purposes only and may not be relied upon by you in evaluating the merits of investing in any securities or interests referred to herein or for any other purposes. The information contained in this material may be partial information and may be modified without prior notice. They are expressed as of the date of writing and are derived from proprietary and non-proprietary sources deemed by Carmignac to be reliable, are not necessarily all-inclusive and are not guaranteed as to accuracy. As such, no warranty of accuracy or reliability is given and no responsibility arising in any other way for errors and omissions (including responsibility to any person by reason of negligence) is accepted by Carmignac, its officers, employees or agents.

Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future performance. Performances are net of fees (excluding possible entrance fees charged by the distributor). The return may increase or decrease as a result of currency fluctuations, for the shares which are not currency-hedged.

Reference to certain securities and financial instruments is for illustrative purposes to highlight stocks that are or have been included in the portfolios of funds in the Carmignac range. This is not intended to promote direct investment in those instruments, nor does it constitute investment advice. The Management Company is not subject to prohibition on trading in these instruments prior to issuing any communication. The portfolios of Carmignac funds may change without previous notice. The reference to a ranking or prize, is no guarantee of the future results of the UCIS or the manager.

Morningstar Rating™ : © Morningstar, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The information contained herein: is proprietary to Morningstar and/or its content providers; may not be copied or distributed; and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. Neither Morningstar nor its content providers are responsible for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information.

Access to the Funds may be subject to restrictions regarding certain persons or countries. This material is not directed to any person in any jurisdiction where (by reason of that person’s nationality, residence or otherwise) the material or availability of this material is prohibited. Persons in respect of whom such prohibitions apply must not access this material. Taxation depends on the situation of the individual. The Funds are not registered for retail distribution in Asia, in Japan, in North America, nor are they registered in South America. Carmignac Funds are registered in Singapore as restricted foreign scheme (for professional clients only). The Funds have not been registered under the US Securities Act of 1933. The Funds may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, for the benefit or on behalf of a «U.S. person», according to the definition of the US Regulation S and FATCA.
The risks, fees and ongoing charges are described in the KID (Key Information Document). The KID must be made available to the subscriber prior to subscription. The subscriber must read the KID. Investors may lose some or all their capital, as the capital in the funds are not guaranteed. The Funds present a risk of loss of capital.

The Funds’ prospectus, KIDs, NAVs and annual reports are available at www.carmignac.com/en, or upon request to the Management Carmignac Portfolio refers to the sub-funds of Carmignac Portfolio SICAV, an investment company under Luxembourg law, conforming to the UCITS Directive. The French investment funds (fonds communs de placement or FCP) are common funds in contractual form conforming to the UCITS or AIFM Directive under French law.

  • In the United Kingdom: the Funds’ respective prospectuses, KIIDs and annual reports are available at www.carmignac.com/en-gb, or upon request to the Management Company, or for the French Funds, at the offices of the acilities Agent, Carmignac UK Ltd, 2 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AF. This document was prepared by Carmignac Gestion, Carmignac Gestion Luxembourg or Carmignac UK Ltd. FP Carmignac ICVC (the “Company”) is an Investment Company with variable capital incorporated in England and Wales under registered number 839620 and is authorised by the FCA with effect from 4 April 2019 and launched on 15 May 2019. FundRock Partners Limited is the Authorised Corporate Director (the “ACD”) of the Company and is authorised and regulated by the FCA. Registered Office: Hamilton Centre, Rodney Way, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 3BY, UK; Registered in England and Wales with number 4162989. Carmignac Gestion Luxembourg SA has been appointed as the Investment Manager and distributor in respect of the Company. Carmignac UK Ltd (Registered in England and Wales with number 14162894) has been appointed as a sub-Investment Manager of the Company and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority with FRN:984288.

  • In Switzerland: the prospectus, KIDs and annual report are available at www.carmignac.com/en-ch, or through our representative in Switzerland, CACEIS (Switzerland), S.A., Route de Signy 35, CH-1260 Nyon. The paying agent is CACEIS Bank, Montrouge, Nyon Branch / Switzerland, Route de Signy 35, 1260 Nyon.

  • In Belgium: This document is intended for professional clients. This content has not been validated by FSMA. The decision to invest in the promoted fund should take into account all its characteristics or objectives as described in its prospectus. This communication is published by Carmignac Gestion S.A., a portfolio management company approved by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) in France, and its Luxembourg subsidiary Carmignac Gestion Luxembourg, S.A., an investment fund management company approved by the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF). “Carmignac” is a registered trademark. “Investing in your Interest” is a slogan associated with the Carmignac trademark. This document does not constitute advice on any investment or arbitrage of transferable securities or any other asset management or investment product or service. The information and opinions contained in this document do not take into account investors’ specific individual circumstances and must never be interpreted as legal, tax or investment advice. The information contained in this document may be partial and could be changed without notice. This document may not be reproduced in whole or in part without prior authorisation. The risks and fees are described in the KID (Key Information Document). The prospectus, KID, the net asset-values and the latest (semi-) annual management report may be obtained, free of charge, in French or in Dutch, from the management company (tel. +352 46 70 60 1) or by consulting its website or www.fundinfo.com. These materials may also be obtained from Caceis Belgium S.A., the financial service provider in Belgium, at the following address: avenue du port, 86c b320, B-1000 Brussels. The Fund (fonds commun de placement or FCP) is a common fund in contractual form conforming to the UCITS Directive under French law. Access to the Fund may be subject to restrictions regarding certain persons or countries. The Funds are not registered for retail distribution in Asia, in Japan, in North America, nor are they registered in South America. Carmignac Funds are registered in Singapore as restricted foreign scheme (for professional clients only). The Funds have not been registered under the US Securities Act of 1933. The Funds may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, for the benefit or on behalf of a «U.S. person», according to the definition of the US Regulation S and FATCA. In case of subscription to a fund subject to Article 19bis of the Belgian Income Tax Code (CIR92), the investor will have to pay, upon redemption of his or her shares, a withholding tax of 30% on the income (in the form of interest, or capital gains or losses) derived from the return on assets invested in debt claims. Distributions are subject to withholding tax of 30% without income distinction. In case of subscription in a French investment fund (fonds commun de placement or FCP), you must declare on tax form, each year, the share of the dividends (and interest, if applicable) received by the Fund. Any complaint may be referred to complaints@carmignac.com or CARMIGNAC GESTION - Compliance and Internal Controls - 24 place Vendôme Paris France or on the website www.ombudsfin.be.

The Management Company can cease promotion in your country anytime. Investors have access to a summary of their rights at section 5 entitled "summary of investor rights" on the following links: UK ; Switzerland ; France ; Luxembourg ; Sweden. Belgium (French) ; Belgium (Dutch)

For Carmignac Portfolio Long-Short European Equities: Carmignac Gestion Luxembourg SA in its capacity as the Management Company for Carmignac Portfolio, has delegated the investment management of this Sub-Fund to White Creek Capital LLP (Registered in England and Wales with number OCC447169) from 2nd May 2024. White Creek Capital LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority with FRN : 998349.

Carmignac Private Evergreen refers to the Private Evergreen sub-fund of the SICAV Carmignac S.A. SICAV – PART II UCI, registered with the Luxembourg RCS under number B285278.