Why take an active approach to fixed income investing?

Feb 18, 2026

Mark Dowding, CIO of BlueBay fixed income, explains why the asset class is best invested in using an active rather than passive approach.

Key takeaways:

  • The market backdrop in fixed income has shifted in recent years, however the case for investing in active funds over passive remains.
  • The reasons for this – the structure of fixed income benchmarks, the new issue market, price distortion and how volatility and positive manager skill can generate alpha.
  • How bond markets still face many uncertainties, which likely means further volatility, however in our view, active management is best placed to reduce the impact of this.