The Australian Corporate Bond (ACB) segment delivered a distinct performance profile over the period, shaped by a combination of macro influences, fund‑specific positioning, and the evolving risk appetite across markets. Manager outcomes varied meaningfully, as differences in exposure, yield strategies, and defensive allocations created a wide dispersion of performance within the category.
Income generation continues to be a central anchor for this segment, with the group averaging a yield of 5.25%. This steady income base supported total‑return outcomes for many funds, particularly those positioned toward high‑quality assets or segments with consistent payout histories. Funds with higher yield profiles often benefitted from strong underlying cashflows, while lower‑yielding peers tended to emphasise capital‑growth opportunities or more conservative portfolio structures.
Short‑term performance trends, reflected in the 1‑Year CAGR average of 5.86%, were influenced by sector rotation, changes in rate expectations, and broader macro shifts. Managers with tactical agility and selective exposure management captured near‑term opportunities more effectively. The longer‑term perspective, demonstrated by the 5‑Year CAGR average of 2.95%, shows the cumulative advantage of disciplined portfolio construction, robust risk controls, and alignment with structural market trends.
Risk behaviour remained a defining characteristic in the period. The average max drawdown of -7.26% highlights how market volatility affected certain strategies more than others. Funds with diversified exposures, downside protection, and well‑managed factor risks preserved capital more effectively during stress periods. In contrast, strategies with concentrated or higher‑beta exposures displayed deeper drawdowns, underscoring the importance of risk‑adjusted allocation frameworks.
Across the Australian Corporate Bond (ACB) universe, the overall narrative points to an environment where manager skill, structural yield support, and effective risk oversight played decisive roles in shaping outcomes. The segment continues to offer a balanced mix of stability and return potential, but dispersion across managers highlights the need for selective allocation. As markets remain sensitive to global policy direction and credit conditions, well‑positioned funds within Australian Corporate Bond (ACB) may continue to benefit from favourable yield spreads and measured risk exposure.
Looking ahead, the category is expected to maintain its relevance for investors seeking dependable income and resilient long‑term return profiles. The interplay between yield opportunities, macro cycles, and portfolio construction discipline will remain the key differentiator among managers.
| APIR Code | Fund Name | AUM ($m) | Mgnt Fee | 1-Yr CAGR% | 3-Yr CAGR% | 5-Yr CAGR% | Volatility | Max Drawdown 5y | Sharpe (5y) | Launch Date | Yield | Fund Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AMP7750AU | AMP Capital Advantage Corporate Bond | 9.1 | 0.50 | 5.69 | 5.55 | 3.42 | 1.09 | -2.45 | -0.17 | 15/01/2018 | 4.98 | Offshore Regulated |
| AMP2037AU | AMP Flex Lifetime Investments S2 Capital Corporate Bond | 0.2 | 1.00 | 5.18 | 5.05 | 2.68 | 1.15 | -3.34 | -0.8 | 01/07/2015 | 4.99 | Offshore Regulated |
| PPL0028AU | Antares Income | 279.2 | 0.29 | 5.86 | 5.96 | 3.75 | 1.04 | -1.40 | 0.14 | 04/11/2013 | 4.27 | Offshore Regulated |
| ETL8782AU | Artesian Green & Sustainable Bond | 0.50 | 5.28 | 5.50 | 2.73 | 2.37 | -5.44 | -0.37 | 25/09/2020 | 4.79 | Offshore Regulated | |
| BetaShares Interest Rate Hedged Australian Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF | 91.2 | 0.29 | 8.55 | 16/11/2022 | 4.66 | Exchange Traded Funds | ||||||
| BetaShares Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF | 1555.1 | 0.22 | 7.19 | 8.44 | 1.48 | 7.07 | -18.56 | -0.3 | 31/05/2018 | 4.80 | Exchange Traded Funds | |
| BlackRock iShares Core Global Corporate Bond ETF Hedged AUD | 312.6 | 0.26 | 3.63 | 5.58 | -0.31 | 6.52 | -19.29 | -0.6 | 09/12/2015 | 4.40 | Exchange Traded Funds | |
| Global X Global X Australian Bank Credit ETF Acc | 146.8 | 0.25 | -1.28 | 22/07/2024 | Exchange Traded Funds | |||||||
| IPN0709AU | iPartners High Yield Dis AUD | 27.0 | 1.20 | 9.16 | 9.72 | 31/05/2021 | 9.80 | Offshore Regulated | ||||
| IOF0127AU | Janus Henderson Diversified Credit | 1281.7 | 0.55 | 7.41 | 7.63 | 4.97 | 2.05 | -4.53 | 0.67 | 31/10/2012 | 4.86 | Offshore Regulated |
| AMP9024AU | Macquarie Corporate Bond | 296.4 | 0.53 | 5.68 | 5.53 | 3.39 | 1.09 | -2.44 | -0.19 | 08/12/2014 | 4.98 | Offshore Regulated |
| PER0263AU | Perpetual Credit Income | 175.9 | 0.31 | 6.56 | 7.75 | 5.2 | 1.56 | -2.37 | 1.03 | 15/11/2004 | 6.40 | Offshore Regulated |
| OMF0018AU | Realm High Income Adviser | 2524.4 | 0.72 | 8.02 | 9.87 | 6.11 | 2.62 | -3.45 | 0.96 | 08/09/2016 | 6.72 | Offshore Regulated |
| Russell Australian Select Corporate Bond ETF | 326.4 | 0.28 | 3.73 | 4.85 | 1.53 | 3.23 | -7.05 | -0.64 | 08/03/2012 | 4.60 | Exchange Traded Funds | |
| SCH7855AU | Schroder Australian High Yielding Credit AUD | 819.7 | 0.40 | 7.55 | 01/07/2024 | 5.94 | Offshore Regulated | |||||
| UBS7880AU | UBS JBWere Australian Credit Dis AUD | 120.7 | Other Offshore Funds | |||||||||
| VanEck Australian Corporate Bond Plus ETF | 405.3 | 0.32 | 6.12 | 6.96 | 1.64 | 5.09 | -13.92 | -0.39 | 09/05/2017 | 4.05 | Exchange Traded Funds | |
| VAN0065AU | Vanguard Australian Corporate Fixed Interest Index | 919.8 | 0.24 | 5.36 | 5.92 | 1.74 | 3.77 | -10.13 | -0.49 | 10/10/2014 | 3.73 | Offshore Regulated |
Please note: Historic yield figures will only be provided for funds with at least 12 months