A year after fixed-income boutique Carlsson Norén Asset Management and its investment team joined Meriti Capital, the Swedish asset manager is expanding its fixed-income offering with the launch of Meriti Smart Ränta as an alternative to traditional savings accounts. The strategy is aimed at investors seeking an opportunity to earn higher returns than bank deposits without taking on the volatility associated with equity markets.
“Many savers are familiar with the paradox: their money sits safely in a bank account but hardly grows at all,” says Meriti Capital Deputy CEO Ola Björkmo. “At a time when inflation continues to erode purchasing power, it has become increasingly clear that traditional bank deposits are no longer an effective savings vehicle for those seeking meaningful returns.” He argues that the current macroeconomic backdrop further strengthens the case for the new strategy. “At the same time, we are facing one of the most uncertain global environments in years. Investing in equities may feel like taking on too much risk. That is why we are launching Meriti Smart Ränta.”
“Many savers are familiar with the paradox: their money sits safely in a bank account but hardly grows at all.”
Ola Björkmo
According to Fredrik Carlsson, who joined Meriti Capital through last year’s merger with Carlsson Norén Asset Management, the fund combines several fixed-income investments whose relatively low correlations help reduce overall portfolio risk while maintaining an attractive expected return. “For investors seeking higher returns without taking equity market risk, we now offer Meriti Smart Ränta – a modern fixed-income investment solution,” says Carlsson. He is, however, quick to stress that the strategy is not risk-free. “Meriti Smart Ränta can fluctuate in value, particularly in response to changes in interest rates or credit risk. However, its risk-return profile is considerably more attractive than that of a savings account offering close to zero interest.”
“Meriti Smart Ränta can fluctuate in value, particularly in response to changes in interest rates or credit risk. However, its risk-return profile is considerably more attractive than that of a savings account offering close to zero interest.”
Fredrik Carlsson
Meriti Smart Ränta is jointly managed by Magnus Dahlgren, who also joined the firm from Carlsson Norén Asset Management, and Gustav Andåker from Meriti Capital’s investment team. Following the integration of Carlsson Norén, Meriti Capital now manages three alternative investment funds. Jonas Sandefeldt and Ola Björkmo oversee Meriti Neutral, while Fredrik Carlsson and Martin Norén continue to manage Meriti Carlsson Norén Macro Fund. Dahlgren and Andåker also serve as portfolio managers of the hybrid-securities strategy Yield Opportunity. Both Carlsson Norén funds have since been converted into UCITS structures while retaining daily liquidity.
Carlsson believes traditional savings accounts continue to serve an important role, particularly for emergency reserves and short-term liquidity needs, but argues they are less suitable for capital intended to grow over time. “Meriti Smart Ränta may be a suitable alternative for investors who want to avoid taking significant risks while still giving their money the opportunity to grow,” he concludes. The strategy has already made a positive start, gaining 50 basis points in June, its first month of operation.
