With our next Headlinemoney Investment & Pensions Masterclass swiftly approaching, we hear from speaker Christie Goncalves, Assistant Fund Manager, Fixed Income at Rathbones Asset Management on demystifying bond market lingo and the importance of understanding how the fixed Income asset class is intricately linked to the economy and daily life.

Can you give a quick overview of what your Masterclass session will cover?

The Masterclass will be an introduction to bonds, from the basics of what a bond is, how they work, the relationship of price and yield, as well as some more advanced but often talked-about aspects of the asset class. We will also demystify some of the bond market lingo! 

What are the challenges surrounding your topic journalists should help their readers understand? How will you be discussing this at the Masterclass?

To many, equities are a much better understood asset class. Bonds can seem far more complex by comparison, as readers need to consider price, yield, maturity - and that’s not to mention often-discussed aspects such as the yield curve. In this Masterclass we will be going through these terms step-by-step and will aim to give the attendees a good understanding of fixed income.

Any general tips for money writers covering fixed income?

I think fixed income is generally covered well by journalists. However, I would encourage anyone to ask questions if they are not sure on any aspect of writing about bonds. There are many moving parts in fixed income, and we are always happy to help if something isn’t clear.

What would you like to change about how journalists cover fixed income of expertise?

As I say, I think the fixed income asset class is well covered, but we are always happy to speak more about what we are doing within our portfolios or how we are allocating to take account of the wider macroeconomic background. Seeing how bonds work within a wider portfolio can really bring the concept to life.

Tell us about the big stories in your sector in the past few months. Could these be rolling stories?

• The US election and what a Trump vs Harris president means for global rates and credit (both Developed and Emerging markets), that are expected to see increased tariffs dampen demand for their goods, and result in increased global inflation. 
• UK Motor finance – creating much volatility in the £ credit market as the FCA ruling was pushed out by a further 6 months to May 2025, with the latest new flow including a court ruling adding to the uncertainly of how exactly the claims will be calculated and over what period. 
• France’s rating trajectory and implications for the sovereign bonds and credit.
• Record inflows into fixed income credit have been very supportive of the asset class year to date.

Finally, why is it important for journalists to have access to initiatives such as Headlinemoney Masterclasses?

The Fixed Income asset class is so intricately linked to the economy and all our day-to-days. Many of us must feel that days are not long enough, and we must pack a lot into our working week. That means it can be hard to really dig down into any given topic, even if important and we might like to. Events such as these masterclasses can really provide the opportunity to understand the subject matter and to ask the questions you may not have time for otherwise. It’s also a great opportunity to get to know people in the industry.