In financial services, many firms are focused on providing bottom-line value to their clients. What most of them forget is how to properly communicate that value.
A good PR strategy has a greater impact on the bottom line than most firms realise. This book shows how to put in place an effective PR program in the financial services industry, and how great communications can add significant value to a firm.
Between them, Claudia Pritchitt and Leeanne Bland have over 50 years’ experience in public relations, communications, and marketing. Here, they explain the key tools needed in an effective communications strategy as well as why plain English is imperative in the jargon-heavy world of financial services.
Recent investment grade bond issues are delivering healthy gains for investors, with many new issues trading above par and many outperforming expectations, Darryl Bruce, executive director, capital markets at Income Asset Management (IAM) says.
Mr Bruce says the current wave of new issuance across investment grade bonds is creating an ideal environment for investors looking to build a diversified fixed income portfolio.
“While the new issue process can be frustrating for investors, particularly with rapid bookbuilds, oversubscription, and the tightening of final pricing, the results speak for themselves,” Mr Bruce said.
“Recent deals have performed strongly, not just in the primary market but also in secondary trading.”
Bloomberg data below shows that many investment grade bonds issued over the past three months are trading above par, with most sitting between 101 and 104. One standout issue, BCPE 6.5618 per cent 2035c, is already trading near 105 despite being on the market for less than two months.
“The issuers aren’t the only winners in this process,” Mr Bruce said.
“These early capital gains, combined with annual income returns in the high 5 per cent to low 6 per cent range, clearly demonstrate that investors can come out ahead, even when initial pricing appears tight.”
The outlook for fixed income remains compelling. Although the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) held the cash rate steady in July, market expectations point to three rate cuts by February 2026 as the economy broadly slows.
Mr Bruce said this creates an ideal setup for traditional bond strategies, locking in current high yields and benefiting from capital appreciation as rates fall.
“On the macro front, we’re seeing a cautious but favourable shift from the RBA. Although the RBA held the cash rate steady in July, market pricing now incorporates expectations for at least two cuts before the end of the year and a potential third in early 2026,” Mr Bruce said.
“That evolving outlook strengthens the case for locking in today’s yields and positioning for capital appreciation as rates retreat. The days of 6 per cent + coupons may be behind us for now, but even bonds issued at 5 per cent are performing exceptionally well.
“Demand remains strong, and we expect the new issue market to continue delivering solid returns and liquidity for investors.”
