Securitized Products

Highly liquid issues backed by a mix of non-mortgage assets (ABS) as well as mortgage assets ‐ commercial (CMBS) and Agency and Non-Agency MBS ‐ that aim for higher yields than comparably rated corporate debt instruments while enhancing portfolio diversity.

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Approach

Conning invests primarily in a broad range of high-quality securities with competitive yields relative to other comparably rated debt instruments that are consistent with a client's unique constraints. We seek opportunities to create an income or convexity advantage or benefit from a pricing dislocation. Fundamental and quantitative analysis of credit and prepayment risk identify relative value; we select securities meeting strict credit structure and risk standards.

Process

Securitized products offer higher yields, lower correlation to core assets, and favorable risk-adjusted returns. The market is highly liquid, with over $10 trillion in outstanding bonds. Investors can customize portfolios and benefit from structural protection and transparency in deals.

Yield Pick-up


  • Earn 50-200 bps over comparably rated fixed income

Diversification


  • Lower correlation to core asset classes
  • Exposure to collateral of industrial, consumer, and real estate loans

Risk Adjusted Returns


  • Favorable Sharpe ratios compared to core asset classes.

Liquidity


  • Liquid market comprising 26% of the U.S. bond market.
  • Over $10 trillion bonds outstanding.

Wide Variety of Choices


  • Ability to customize cash flows, yields, and durations for bespoke portfolios.

Structural Protection and Transparency


  • Deals structured to provide investor protection with excess spread, credit enhancement, and collateral.

Expert

Mike Nowakowski

Mike Nowakowski is a Managing Director and Head of Structured Products, overseeing trading of ABS securities. Prior to joining Conning, he was a portfolio manager focused on Agency MBS and ABS at GE Asset Management, State Street Global Advisors, and People’s United Bank. Previously, Mr. Nowakowski was a portfolio manager focused on Money Markets. Mr. Nowakowski earned a bachelor’s degree in Business from Plymouth State University where he graduated Magna Cum Laude.

Mike Nowakowski is a Managing Director and Head of Structured Products, overseeing trading of ABS securities. Prior to joining Conning, he was a portfolio manager focused on Agency MBS and ABS at GE Asset Management, State Street Global Advisors, and People’s United Bank. Previously, Mr. Nowakowski was a portfolio manager focused on Money Markets. Mr. Nowakowski earned a bachelor’s degree in Business from Plymou Read More...

Explore More Core Strategies

Core, core-plus and total return fixed income strategies for insurers utilize a range of sectors
Investment Grade Corporate Bonds
Publicly traded debt securities issued by corporations rated BBB/Baa or higher.
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Covered Bonds
Debt instruments that are secured, usually backed by a pool of mortgage loans or public sector loans.
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Additional Specialty Asset Class Capabilities
We have a broad array of specialty asset classes to customize portfolios based on a client’s unique needs for yield and return and tolerance for risk. A full list can be found in the Specialty Strategies section.
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Municipal Bonds
Debt instruments issued by states, local governments and government enterprises such as utilities, universities, and transportation systems.
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Government Credit & SSA
Debt instruments issuesd by federal institutions, such as U.S. Treasurys and government agency securities.
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Indexed Equities
Passively managed equity portfolios tracking major indexes such as the S&P 600, 500 and 400 indexes.
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Risk Considerations

 
Investment Risk - The potentially complex structure of the security may produce unexpected investment results not based on default or recovery statistics.
 
Valuation Risk - Valuations of structured credit products are provided by third parties, based on models, indicative quotes, and estimates of value, in addition to historical trades. There is inherent difficulty in valuing these asets, and there can be no assurances the assets can be disposed of or liquidated at the valuations established, or that published returns will be achieved.
 
Underlying Asset Credit Risk - During periods of economic uncertainty, and recession, the incidence of modifications and restructurings of investments may increase, resulting in impairments to the underlying asset value.
 
Economic Risk - Changing economic, political, regulatory or market conditions, interest rates, general levels of economic activity, the prices of securities and debt instruments and participation by other investors in financial markets may affect the value of the structured security and all other asset classes.