HSBC Global Asset Management has launched the HSBC Investment Grade Bond Fund 2013, which aims to capture "potentially stable returns amid an uncertain market outlook".

The Fund will invest in a globally diversified portfolio of around 30 to 40 US dollar-denominated investment grade bonds. It also aims to deliver coupons on a semi-annual basis throughout its four-year investment tenure.

Bonnie Lam, director and head of wholesale business, HSBC global asset management in Hong Kong, said: "Under global economic uncertainty, investors are seeking opportunities in quality and less risky asset classes managed in a transparent manner.

The HSBC Investment Grade Bond Fund 2013, an actively managed bond fund that aims to deliver potentially stable returns while offering a higher level of diversification than a single bond, can address investors' needs. To provide investors with a clear understanding of what they are investing in, the entire portfolio holdings of the Fund will be disclosed regularly."

The Fund will be managed by the award-winning fixed income team in Asia-Pacific led by Cecilia Chan, director and head of fixed income at Halbis.

Halbis is the active fundamental investment specialist of HSBC Global Asset Management. As of December 2008, it was managing over US$14bn of fixed income assets.

Cecilia Chan, director and head of fixed income at Halbis in Asia-Pacific, said: "Since the onset of the global credit crisis, financial assets have been tremendously re-priced. The significant widening of credit spreads or yield premiums to historical levels indicates the attractive valuations of selected investment grade bonds in the global market, and offers appealing investment opportunities to investors taking a buy and hold approach.

"Backed by our local and global credit research capabilities, we aim to offer a diversified, high quality credit portfolio and employ on-going risk management strategies to manage the credit risk exposure of the portfolio."

The initial public offering of the HSBC Investment Grade Bond Fund 2013 is available from 16 to 30 March 2009 through HSBC and Hang Seng Bank branches. The minimum investment amount is US$1000.