What can the Mercer Macquarie NZ Fixed Interest Fund actually invest in?
The fund's Statement of Investment Policy and Objectives (SIPO) defines the asset classes it can hold and the allowable target / min / max weights for each.
Strategic asset allocation ranges
| Asset class | Target | Min | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand fixed interest - On call NZ cash, short-term securities and deposits | — | 0% | 50% |
| New Zealand fixed interest - NZ Government, corporate and other non-government securities | — | 50% | 100% |
| New Zealand fixed interest - Local Government Funding Authority | 0% | 0% | 50% |
| New Zealand fixed interest (total) | 100% | — | — |
| International Fixed Interest | 0% | 0% | 20% |
Mandate flexibility (sum of max − min across all ranges): 170%. Moderate range — some manager latitude within a broader mandate.
Explicit exclusions (5)
- Collateralised debt obligations
- Collateralised loan obligations
- Credit default swaps
- Securities rated lower than BBB- (S&P or equivalent)
- Unrated securities (except qualifying local authority securities or senior unsecured of BBB- or higher rated issuer)
Responsible-investment approach
Mercer applies a Sustainable Investment Policy incorporating four techniques: ESG integration, stewardship (engagement and proxy voting), exclusions (rules-based screens covering controversial weapons, tobacco, Russian assets, and additional responsible/sustainable criteria for labelled funds), and investment in sustainability themes. Funds labelled 'Responsible' have additional exclusions criteria applied and are certified by the Responsible Investment Association of Australasia (RIAA).
Derivatives policy
Funds (including underlying managers) may use derivatives to protect against unfavourable price changes, enhance returns as a cost-effective alternative to purchasing physical assets, implement fund investment objectives, and manage currency exposure. Derivatives related to each asset class are permitted provided the total market value exposure remains within permitted asset allocation ranges.