Investors may have a lot on their minds these days: a late-cycle market subject to bouts of volatility and illiquidity, and a global economy offering significant potential – and significant risks. Amid these uncertainties, many investors have gone on the defensive, turning to money market funds and other traditional vehicles geared toward liquidity and capital preservation. Instead, those who can bear a modest increase in risk may want to consider a more active, sustainable approach, which also reflects a growing preference for investments that “do good while doing well” – that is, investments focused on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors.

In this Q&A, portfolio managers Nathan Chiaverini, Jelle Brons, and Jerome Schneider and strategist Ken Chambers discuss the outlook for cash and short-term markets with an ESG lens. They suggest that investors seeking to influence positive change with their short-term assets may find an attractive option in PIMCO Enhanced Short Maturity Active ESG ETF (ticker EMNT), an ultra-short active bond strategy.

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The Author

Nathan Chiaverini

Jelle Brons

Portfolio Manager, Global and U.S. Investment Grade Credit

Jerome M. Schneider

Portfolio Manager

Kenneth Chambers

Fixed Income Strategist

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A word about risk: Investing in the bond market is subject to certain risks including the risk that fixed income securities will decline in value because of changes in interest rates; the risk that fund shares could trade at prices other than the net asset value; and the risk that the manager's investment decisions might not produce the desired results. Investing in foreign denominated and/or domiciled securities may involve heightened risk due to currency fluctuations, and economic and political risks, which may be enhanced in emerging markets. Mortgage and asset-backed securities may be sensitive to changes in interest rates, subject to early repayment risk, and their value may fluctuate in response to the market’s perception of issuer creditworthiness; while generally supported by some form of government or private guarantee there is no assurance that private guarantors will meet their obligations. Derivatives may involve certain costs and risks, such as liquidity, interest rate, market, credit, management and the risk that a position could not be closed when most advantageous. Investing in derivatives could lose more than the amount invested. Diversification does not ensure against loss.

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There is no guarantee that these investment strategies will work under all market conditions or are suitable for all investors and each investor should evaluate their ability to invest long-term, especially during periods of downturn in the market. Investors should consult their investment professional prior to making an investment decision.

The Morningstar Fixed Income Fund Manager of the Year award (U.S.) is based on the strength of the manager, performance, strategy and firm's stewardship.

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