BOSTON, MA, June 22, 2021 – Income Research + Management (“IR+M” or “Income Research”), a fixed income manager based in Boston, MA, today announced that it is enhancing its ESG strategies, which currently include Core ESG, Short ESG, and Municipal ESG products. These strategies are positively tilted towards bonds that have more favorable sustainability factors, as identified by IR+M’s proprietary research.
“We have incorporated ESG factors into our research process for years and are now leveraging our experience and understanding to create well-defined ESG strategies for our institutional and private clients,” said Allison Walsh, Head of ESG and Corporate Sustainability at Income Research. “As fixed income managers, we recognize the complexities inherent in integrating ESG into our bond portfolios – complexities that are not necessarily prevalent in equities. We often need more granular details and bond-specific data to evaluate these securities. We are confident that our products will address the market’s need for sustainable fixed income investment strategies.”
The positively-tilted ESG strategies invest across all durations and sectors, including investment-grade corporate bonds, municipal bonds, and securitized assets, and selectively incorporate negative screens. These ESG offerings are available as separately managed accounts, as well as private fund vehicles for Short and Core broad investment-grade mandates.
As ESG relates to securitized credit and municipal bonds, in particular, Walsh added, “We rely heavily on our own research to inform our ESG views. Structured finance, specifically, has lagged the broader market in its adoption of ESG, given the asset class’ complexity and multiple layers. We are engaging with the industry on standardizing ESG reporting and believe we will achieve greater issuer transparency.”
Jim Gubitosi, Co-Chief Investment Officer concluded, “Investors want to hear that we are deliberate in our approach to ESG and prudent in our assessment of material ESG factors. From evolving global regulations to increasing investor interest in the environmental and social impact of loans and corporate financings, sustainability measures in fixed income will continue to emerge. We are committed to synthesizing this information with our investment expertise and creating dynamic ESG strategies that address our clients’ needs.”
About Income Research + Management
IR+M is a privately-owned, independent, fixed income investment management firm that serves institutional and private clients. The firm managed $90.3 billion across cash management, insurance, liability driven investing, tax efficient investing and ESG and socially responsible investing strategies. IR+M’s investment philosophy and process are based on the belief that careful security selection and active risk management provide superior results over the long-term. By combining the capacity and technology of a larger firm with the culture and nimbleness of a boutique firm, IR+M strives to provide exceptional service for clients and a rewarding experience for employees. For more information, visit incomeresearch.com.
Media Relations
Becky Nye
Director, Montieth & Company
bnye@montiethco.com
