Close Brothers beef up sustainable bond range

Close Brothers Investment Management has launched a new sustainable bond fund and rebadged another in response to growing demand for products with a focus on environmental, social and governance principles.

The Close Sustainable Balanced Portfolio Fund, which is managed by head of funds, Riitta Hujanen and investment manager, Richard Stroud, aims to provide capital growth with some income over the medium term by investing in shares, bonds, alternatives, exchange-traded funds, and third-party funds.

The Close Sustainable Bond Portfolio Fund, previously the Close Bond Income Portfolio Fund, aims to generate income while maintaining its capital value over the medium term. The fund will invest in fixed income securities, with a new investment approach and fund prospectus.

The funds will aim to generate consistent long-term returns by screening out unethical practices while focusing on investment opportunities with positive ESG and sustainability records.

Martin Andrew, Close Brothers Asset Management chief executive, said: “Investors and clients are becoming more aware of how their money can affect the world around them and increasingly want to invest in ways that reflect their concern and respect for the natural environment, for human dignity and for responsible corporate behaviour. We are launching these new funds to meet this demand.”