| NASDAQ Exchange | United States Country |
This fund operates with a focus on investing a significant portion of its assets in high yield debt securities, commonly known as "junk" bonds. These are securities that carry a rating below the Baa3 category at the time of purchase or, if unrated, are determined to be of comparable credit quality by the fund’s sub-adviser. The strategy is designed to identify and invest in bonds that offer higher yields in exchange for taking on higher credit risks. While the primary focus is on securities from issuers within the U.S., the fund retains the flexibility to allocate a portion of its investments in U.S. dollar-denominated securities from issuers based outside the United States, specifically up to 20% of its assets. This approach aims to diversify the investment portfolio and potentially seize opportunities in international markets that fit the fund's high-yield criteria.
The core investment focus of the fund is on high yield debt securities, also referred to as "junk" bonds. These securities are typically issued by companies or entities that are assessed to have a higher risk of default compared to more creditworthy, investment-grade issuers. By concentrating at least 80% of its net assets in such securities, the fund targets the potentially higher returns that these riskier bonds can offer. The selection process is guided by rigorous analysis conducted by the fund’s sub-adviser, aiming to identify bonds that, despite their higher risk, present a viable investment opportunity based on their credit quality.
To diversify its portfolio and possibly enhance returns, the fund is authorized to invest up to 20% of its assets in U.S. dollar-denominated securities issued by companies based outside of the U.S. This allowance provides the fund with the flexibility to participate in international markets where opportunities align with the fund’s investment strategy. The inclusion of foreign securities aims to take advantage of global investment opportunities that offer a higher yield, while still focusing on investments that meet the fund's criteria for credit risk and potential return.