Nuveen launches global impact strategy

Global asset manager Nuveen has launched a Global Credit impact strategy as part of its $413 billion fixed income platform.

The company has announced that the aim of the new strategy is to generate long term returns while seeking to create a direct, measurable social and environment impact.

The strategy has been launched with investment of $170 million from a range of global investors including leading Nordic life and pensions business, Gjensidige Pensjonsforsikring and Nuveen’s parent company TIAA.

Nuveen said the strategy is aimed at providing investors with access to investment grade corporates and other credit sectors designed to deliver alpha and total return.

Investments in the portfolio will include exclusive use of proceeds benefiting environmental or social outcomes, and from issuers with commitment and an ability to deliver transparent impact reporting. It will aim to address real world issues such as access to affordable housing and community development, as well as environmental issues ranging from climate change to the regeneration of natural resources.

Commenting on the launch, Nuveen’s Global Fixed chief investment officer, Anders Persson said growing the firm’s fixed income platform and specialist range were cornerstones of its continued international expansion as a truly global asset management business.

The product’s portfolio manager, Jessica Zarzycki said the strategic would seek to not only consistent outperform the global corporate bond market on an excess and risk-adjusted basis, but also aim to lower the cost of capital for environment and social projects by funding initiatives through the easily accessible, liquid public fixed income markets.