RHB launches three-year global bond fund targeting up to 5.75% yearly payouts
What's the deal? RHB BankDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, through RHB Asset Management (RHBAM), has launched the RHB Focus Income Bond Fund — Series 13 (RHB FIBF13), a closed-ended global fixed income fund targeting annual distributions of 5.25% to 5.75%. The fund invests in global debt instruments over a three-year tenure and aims to declare quarterly income distributions. The fund size was undisclosed.
Why now? RHBAM said the launch comes amid elevated global bond yields, persistent inflation concerns and uncertainty over central banks' monetary policy. It framed the current environment as an opening for investors seeking income-generating assets beyond Malaysia's domestic bond market.
What's the endgame? The fund invests predominantly in global debt securities, including bonds, commercial papers, bankers' acceptances and credit-linked notes, with money market instruments held for liquidity. RHBAM highlighted Australia's bond market as a key opportunity, citing its depth and range of government, financial and corporate issuers.
Managing director and chief executive officer Ng Chze How said the fund gives investors "access to a professionally managed portfolio of global debt securities through a single investment solution." He described the Australian market as "one of the region's more established fixed income markets outside of the US bond market."
What could go wrong? Actual payouts depend on market performance and distributable income, and distributions may come from capital, which can reduce the fund's value. International bonds carry interest rate, credit and currency risks, while the closed-ended structure means investors commit capital for the full three years.
The signal: The offer fits Malaysia's shift toward income-oriented funds — five of seven funds launched between mid-August and mid-September 2026 were income-related, including RHB's Global Equity High Income fund. RHB also raised its Asian Income strategy target to 6%–6.5% a year in 2024, underlining competition for investors chasing regular payouts. The three-year term and global mandate set this offer apart, though available reporting does not show how its risk or fees compare with peers.
Read more: businesstoday.com.my
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