Macquarie Funds Group (MFG) is looking to tap further into the credit market following the launch of its special credit opportunities fund.
Last year the manager raised $2 billion from institutional investors for the fund, which invested in mortgage-backed securities.
"In 2009 we are looking to broaden out our exposure to the credit markets and take advantage of the current dislocation in the [credit] markets," MFG head of credit Brett Lewthwaite said.
The MFG fixed income team would target high-quality investment-grade credit and, depending on how the cycle moved, the firm could also invest in lower-grade credit, Lewthwaite said.
He said MFG's institutional clients remained interested in the sector despite the volatility.
Although the markets had been shaky, some credit opportunities were offering good rates of return, he said.
MFG's Sydney-based fixed income team includes 30 people and the group also has offices in Los Angeles and London.
A number of fund managers have recently announced plans to launch credit funds, including Industry Funds Management and T Rowe Price.
