An analysis of bond funds´ credit risk exposure after the financial crisis

Abstract

This thesis examines the credit risk exposure of US fixed income funds in the period after the great financial crisis by empirically analysing the effect of changes in the corporate bond ratings on the fund’s return and net flow ratio. The findings provide evidence for an increased credit risk exposure compared to the period before the great financial crisis but give no clear indication compared to the great financial crisis. The fund types detected to be exposed to the highest downside risk after the great financial crisis are the investment-grade focused bond funds and the high yield bond funds.