Legg Mason today announced that its Australian Bond Trust has maintained its ‘Highly Recommended’ rating from Lonsec, as at May 2016. The Trust is managed by Legg Mason’s largest affiliate fund manager, Western Asset Management, a fixed income specialist with $US434 billion under management.
In its review, Lonsec noted that the strength of the fund was underpinned by Western’s global resources and expertise, with a stable and experienced investment team. The report also noted Western’s “pleasing long term returns”. In addition, Lonsec highlighted Western’s drive to strengthen and enhance their risk management system.
Western Asset Australia Head of Investment Management Anthony Kirkham said “We are delighted with the recognition of Western’s strong local team and global investment expertise. We believe our domestic and global capability provides dual advantages for local portfolios like the Australian Bond Trust.”
Legg Mason Australia Head of Sales Beau Titchkosky said “we are extremely pleased with the Lonsec rating and the acknowledgment of Western Asset’s competitive strengths in Australian fixed income portfolio management. Confirmation of Lonsec’s highest possible rating helps position Western Asset to dealer groups as a highly-rated and high-performing alternative to other global brands in fixed income.”
The Legg Mason Western Asset Australian Bond Trust is in the top three performing fund managers over two, three, five and ten years, according to the March 2016 Mercer Survey (in the Australian Fixed Income Core Sub-universe). The Trust commenced in 1998 and is managed by Western Asset, one of the largest fixed income fund managers in the world. The principal investments of the Trust include government bonds, corporate bonds and other fixed interest securities.
The Trust is available on multiple platforms including BT, AMP, IOOF, ANZ, MLC Wrap, Macquarie and mFunds.
