San Francisco, CA – Parnassus Fixed Income Fund is a fund that aims to achieve an attractive level of current income by holding a core-plus bond portfolio with a significant focus on green/sustainable bonds that promote climate and sustainability objectives. The fund, managed by Portfolio Manager Samantha Palm and Portfolio Manager Minh Bui, outperformed the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index in the first quarter of the year, despite challenges posed by wavering inflation and economic uncertainties.

Market conditions in the first quarter saw a halt in the disinflationary trend as the U.S. economy continued to grow, prompting the Federal Open Market Committee to maintain stable interest rates. This led to a decline in bond prices as yields increased. While corporate bonds and securitized assets performed well, Treasury bonds faced challenges due to higher interest rates impacting real estate transaction volumes, especially in commercial real estate.

The fund’s performance in the first quarter was driven by its strategic allocation to corporate bonds, with a particular emphasis on the Information Technology, Consumer Discretionary, and Consumer Staples sectors. The portfolio also benefitted from an overweight position in government-related bonds, although Treasury bonds negatively impacted returns. Additionally, exposure to securitized bonds added value but underperformed due to market volatility.

Looking ahead, uncertainties persist in the rate path due to stubborn inflation and the economy’s resilience. The Federal Reserve’s plan to cut interest rates three times in 2024 is dependent on inflation trends. Despite potential interest rate hikes in the future, the fund remains optimistic about the long-term returns of corporate bonds. With an emphasis on credit spreads and overall yield potential, the fund maintains its overweight position in corporate bonds.

In conclusion, the Parnassus Fixed Income Fund’s strategic positioning, performance review, and outlook provide valuable insights into the current state of the fixed income market. With a focus on sustainability and attractive income opportunities, the fund continues to navigate market challenges while seeking to deliver favorable returns for investors.