Core Viewpoint - Regional diversification in investment portfolios is essential, particularly in fixed income, as emerging market bonds are outperforming the Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index year-to-date [1][3]. Group 1: Emerging Markets Debt (EMD) Performance - Emerging market bonds are significantly outperforming the S&P 500 and the Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index, highlighting the importance of including them in fixed income portfolios [1]. - The Neuberger Berman Emerging Markets Debt Hard Currency ETF (NEMD) is gaining attention due to its strong performance and active management approach [2][3]. Group 2: Factors Driving NEMD's Momentum - Monetary easing and the desire for geographic diversity in fixed income portfolios are contributing to the growing popularity of ETFs like NEMD [3]. - Improving corporate balance sheets in developing markets are leading to credit rating upgrades, which positively impact bond prices and financing costs [4]. Group 3: Economic and Currency Influences - A weaker US dollar is beneficial for hard currency debt, which NEMD holds, and this trend may continue, providing further support for emerging market debt [5][6]. - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects a growth differential of 2.6% for emerging markets compared to developed markets in 2025, indicating a favorable economic outlook for EMD [7].

Core Insights - Bonds are evolving beyond a safe haven, presenting opportunities for active investment strategies due to changing market conditions [1][2] - The Federal Reserve's recent interest rate cut to 3.75%-4% has created a more favorable environment for fixed income investments [1] - The 10-year Treasury Note yield has increased above 4%, having dropped nearly 2% in the past month and about 11% year-to-date [2] Fixed Income Opportunities - Emerging market debt is highlighted as a top-performing asset class within fixed income this year [2][3] - There is growing interest in private credit ETFs, which provide institutional-style yields with daily liquidity [3][4] - The company has launched a private credit ETF product and has another in registration, indicating a strategic focus on this segment [4]