What are Debt Funds and how do they operate in the global market

A relevant alternative in diversified portfolios, especially in scenarios that call for a balance between return, risk, and liquidity

Debt funds are investment funds that allocate the majority of their resources to credit instruments such as corporate bonds, private loans, debentures, government securities, among others.

Their main objective is to generate returns through interest payments and, eventually, through the appreciation of these securities in the secondary market.

Although traditionally more common in markets such as the United States and the United Kingdom, debt funds have been gaining ground across different geographies, including Brazil, following the evolution of capital markets and the growing demand for more predictable investment alternatives.

How do Debt Funds work?

In a debt fund, investors’ capital is used to finance debt issued by companies, governments, or other entities. These debts pay interest to the fund, which then distributes the earnings to investors. The portfolio may include a wide range of assets, with different levels of risk, return, and liquidity:

• Federal government bonds
• Corporate debentures
• Private and structured loans (private credit)
• Securitized instruments (such as CRIs, CRAs, or RMBS)
• Promissory notes or international bonds

These assets may be classified as investment grade, which are considered safer, or high yield, which offer higher returns but carry greater risk.

Why have Debt Funds been gaining attention?

The global expansion of debt funds is related to several structural and cyclical factors:

• Greater maturity among institutional and individual investors, seeking diversification beyond traditional fixed income;
• Low interest rate environments in certain developed economies, encouraging the search for credit risk premiums;
• The growth of private credit markets in emerging countries such as Brazil, driven by banking disintermediation;
• More sophisticated active management strategies, enabling improved credit risk analysis and asset pricing.

Debt Funds, Equity Funds, and Traditional Fixed Income: how to compare

Debt funds sit between equity funds and traditional fixed income products. Understanding these differences is essential to assess their role within an investment strategy:

What are the main risks of Debt Funds?

Although less volatile than equities, debt funds carry risks that must be well understood:

• Credit risk: issuer default may affect interest and principal payments;
• Interest rate sensitivity: when rates rise, bond prices tend to fall; when rates decline, they tend to appreciate;
• Liquidity risk: some assets lack an active secondary market, which may hinder quick sales;
• Reinvestment risk: upon maturity, securities may be replaced with lower-yielding instruments;
• Currency risk: for international funds, exposure to foreign currencies must be considered.

It is important to note that many of these risks can be mitigated by the manager’s strategy and the quality of credit analysis.

In which scenarios do Debt Funds become relevant?

Debt funds are versatile instruments that can serve different purposes within a portfolio:

• Generating periodic cash flow, especially when focused on monthly or quarterly coupons;
• Reducing portfolio volatility, acting as an intermediate alternative between traditional fixed income and equities;
• Accessing differentiated assets such as private credit, which are often not available through conventional banking products;
• Geographic diversification, with exposure to markets such as the U.S., Europe, or Latin America.

It is worth noting that even in declining interest rate environments, debt funds remain relevant—either by seeking higher risk premiums in private credit or by investing in inflation-linked instruments or shorter-duration assets.

What should be considered before investing?

When evaluating a debt fund, consider:

• The portfolio composition and the risk profile of the assets;
• The track record and reputation of the manager;
• The fund’s credit policy and risk analysis framework;
• The cost structure and performance fees;
• Asset liquidity and redemption terms.

Consulting a specialized professional can make a meaningful difference in understanding how this type of fund fits into your overall investment strategy.

A strategic role, not a standalone solution

Debt funds are not a universal solution, but they can play a strategic role within balanced and well-diversified portfolios, especially for investors seeking a middle ground between return and risk.

Their growth in Brazil and globally demonstrates that there is room for more sophisticated and structured credit solutions, both in institutional markets and among qualified retail investors.

If you are looking to better understand debt fund investment alternatives in Brazil, the United States, or other regions, Upside Investment can help. Get in touch with our specialists.