Square Mile Investment Consulting & Research confirms the addition of M&G Emerging Markets Bond fund to its Academy of Funds, awarding it an A-rating and the upgrading of Newton Global Dynamic Bond fund to AA-rating.

Square Mile's recommended funds, which sit within the Academy of Funds, carry a rating - A, AA, AAA, R or P+ - as reflection of the level of conviction Square Mile's team of analysts has in a fund's ability to deliver on expectations. Square Mile's independent, qualitative research is designed to offer advisers a solid foundation for client investment propositions and recommendations.

Commenting on the M&G Emerging Markets Bond fund, Paul Angell, Square Mile's Investment Research Analyst at Square Mile said:

"The fund is run by a highly experienced investor in the person of Claudia Calich, who brings a wealth of emerging markets expertise, both in economic analysis and bond investing. Ms Calich is ably supported by deputy manager, Charles De Quinsonas, an emerging markets corporate debt specialist, and the wider fixed income and investment teams at M&G.

Ms Calich uses a flexible approach to investing in emerging market debt, looking across the spectrum of government bonds issued in hard (dollar, euro, sterling etc) and local emerging market currencies, as well as emerging market corporate bonds. We believe that this flexible approach allows investors the best chance to outperform, leaving the asset allocation decision to the experts."

Amaya Assan, Senior Investment Research Analyst said of the Newton Global Dynamic Bond fund:

"Lead manager, Paul Brain, who has been responsible for the fund since its inception in 2006, is a senior member of the Fixed Income team at Newton.

He has a strong focus on downside risk, aiming to produce positive absolute returns over rolling three-year periods. This focus on risk together with the cash plus target, makes the fund an attractive proposition for investors who wish to gain access to various parts of global fixed income markets but who are mindful of the capital volatility of their investments.

We think very highly of the manager and our confidence in his investment approach and process has grown over time. He has consistently demonstrated that his strategy, which requires conviction, a disciplined approach to assessing macroeconomic trends, and a good perception of market fundamentals and technicals, can deliver attractive risk adjusted returns for investors."