Bond funds

With markets near certain that the Fed will lower rates this month, debate has shifted to the size of the cut and its impact.

Investors wary of an intensifying trade war have piled into the firm's bond products, boosting net flows to $151 billion, according to the company.

The decision marks a shift for firm, which has largely ridden its equity-fund offerings.

Expense ratios associated with the new products range from 0.05% to 0.07%.

A new report asks whether the products have the potential to spark another crisis despite being created at the urging of the SEC to reduce risk.

Outstanding options riding the world’s most heavily traded government debt product are near the highest level this year.

Ukraine, Nigeria and Kazakhstan offer opportunities because local developments dominate the direction of their markets, the M&G fund manager said.

Many relatively straightforward products have boosted their holdings of lower-rated bonds and emerging markets to juice returns.

Real estate, communications, utilities and consumer staples funds have seen the most appetite, with every other sector experiencing outflows.

Geopolitical risk, dovish central banks and an aging business cycle are reinforcing bullish moorings in global debt.