Investment Objective
The Fund seeks to provide as high a level of current income as is consistent with prudent investment risk and preservation of capital through investment in bonds and other debt securities meeting the Fund's investment criteria, including financial, sustainability, and social responsibility factors.
Investment Strategy
The Fund uses an active strategy, seeking relative value to earn incremental income. Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in bonds. Bonds include debt securities of any maturity. At least 80% of the Fund's net assets will be invested in investment grade debt securities. The remaining 20% of Fund net assets may be in below-investment grade, high-yield debt securities. The Fund invests principally in bonds issued by U.S. corporations, the U.S. government or its agencies, and U.S. government-sponsored enterprises. The Fund may also invest in trust preferred securities, taxable municipal securities, asset-backed securities, including commercial mortgage-backed securities, repurchase agreements, and foreign debt securities. The Fund seeks to invest in companies and other enterprises that demonstrate positive environmental, social and governance performance as they addess corporate responsibility and sustainability challenges.
Investment Risk
Investment in mutual funds involves risk, including possible loss of principal invested. You could lose money on your investment in the Fund or the Fund could underperform because of the following risks: the market prices of bonds held by the Fund may fall; individual investments of the Fund may not perform as expected; and/or the Fund’s portfolio management practices may not achieve the desired result. Bond funds are subject to interest rate risk and credit risk. When interest rates rise, the value of fixed-income securities will generally fall. In addition, the credit quality of the securities may deteriorate, which could lead to default or bankruptcy of the issuer where the issuer becomes unable to pay its obligations when due. Investments in high-yield, high risk bonds can involve a substantial risk of loss. An active trading style can result in higher turnover (exceeding 100%), may translate to higher transaction costs, may increase your tax liability, and may affect Fund performance. The Fund is nondiversified and may be more volatile than a diversified fund.