Core Viewpoint - Volta Finance Limited reported a net performance of +2.48% for July 2025, contributing to a total net performance of +13.9% for the financial year from August 2024 to July 2025, outperforming US High Yield and Euro High Yield indices which returned +8.6% and +8.1% respectively [4][5][6]. Performance and Portfolio Activity - The company achieved a net performance of +2.48% in July, including a dividend payment of 15.5 cents per share [4]. - The financial year net performance from August 2024 to July 2025 stands at +13.9% [4]. - The US High Yield market returned +8.6% and Euro High Yield returned +8.1% during the same period [4]. - Economic indicators showed a mixed but generally positive outlook, with robust labor market conditions and strong corporate earnings, particularly in the technology sector [5][6]. - Inflationary pressures are evident, with the core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index rising 2.8% year-over-year [6]. - Volta's cash flow generation remained stable at €28 million equivalent in interest and coupons over the last six months, representing close to 21% of July's NAV on an annualized basis [8]. Market Conditions - July saw strong market performance driven by positive trade negotiations and resilient economic indicators, although caution remained due to ongoing tariff negotiations with China [5]. - Loan and CLO issuance remained active despite low M&A volumes, with US loan market indices recording a performance increase of +0.88% and European market indices increasing by +0.55% [7]. - Volta received early redemptions from CLO debts (approximately €5 million) and CLO equities (approximately €2 million equivalent) [8]. Portfolio Composition - As of the end of July 2025, Volta's NAV was €274.2 million, equating to €7.49 per share, an increase of 36 cents from July 2024 [10]. - CLO Equity tranches returned +5.2% while CLO Debt tranches returned +0.6% during the month [9]. - Cash stood at 17% at the end of July, providing the company with liquidity to capitalize on attractive entry points in the market [8].

U.S. trade negotiators wrote to the European Union outlining their version of a long-awaited trade agreement between the two regions, an EU spokesperson said, as both sides work to finalize a deal https://t.co/qrJsh1nTxM ...

India’s dairy industry has become a sticking-point in trade negotiations with America. We explain why https://t.co/m7PkLBJHmV ...

Months-long negotiations between India and America towards a “mini-deal” have shaved just a percentage point off the original threat of 26% tariffs on Indian exports to America. Neither side seems in the mood for compromise https://t.co/39KyyYmIff ...

Trade Relations - The US may regret including Nvidia's H20 chips in trade negotiations with China [1] Geopolitical Risk - The inclusion of H20 chips in trade negotiations poses potential risks [1]

Trade Policy - The US will impose a 35% tariff on some imports from Canada [1] International Relations - Trade negotiations between the US and Canada have broken down [1]

President Donald Trump said he extended Mexico’s current tariff rates for 90 days to allow more time for trade negotiations with the country https://t.co/qIEIJOYFMt ...

China's Economy & Trade Talks - China's economy is in relatively good shape, with July data showing improvement compared to June, although growth is not exceeding year-ago levels [1][2] - China has included export controls in trade negotiations, giving them significant leverage, particularly concerning rare earths and critical minerals [3][5] - The inclusion of export controls has created a situation of mutually assured destruction, giving China a choke point over the United States economy [6] Manufacturing Sector - Despite PMI data suggesting weakness, the manufacturing sector in China remains strong and continues to export [9][10] - While exports to the United States have contracted, there has been a surge in exports to Asia, indicating the manufacturing machine is still productive [10] - Manufacturing's strength is crucial as China currently lacks other significant growth drivers [11] Security Concerns & Chip Industry - China is raising potential security risks with chips, potentially as a response to concerns about Huawei [6] - There are concerns about the future ability to geographically track chips, leading to worries about transshipment and potential circumvention of regulations [7]

Trade Negotiations - The US is engaged in trade negotiations with Beijing, described as being conducted in "good faith" [1] Geopolitical Relations - China's top diplomat in Singapore commented on the US-China trade negotiations [1]

Trade Negotiations - US and China are expected to extend the trade truce for another three months, agreeing not to impose additional tariffs or escalate the trade war [1] - The extension involves the reinstatement of the suspended 24% portion of US tariffs and corresponding Chinese countermeasures for 90 days [1] - Trade teams will maintain close communication [1] Key Issues - Discussions will focus on major sticking points, such as US concerns about China's excess industrial capacity [1] - China is expected to pressure the US regarding fentanyl tariffs [1]