Goodman & Co., Investment Counsel Ltd. today announced the creation of the Dynamic Real Return Bond Fund for conservative bond investors concerned about rising inflation.

According to Goodman & Co., the fund will hold primarily Canadian real return bonds, but may also invest in real return bonds of foreign governments as well as Canadian and U.S. floating rate notes.

A real return bond is similar to conventional bonds providing a coupon payment and return of principal at maturity. Where they differ is in the “real” yield or inflation-adjusted yield they offer. To provide a real yield an adjustment is made to both the coupon payments (not the coupon rate) and the principal (face value) amount to reflect changes in the consumer price index during the life of the bond. As inflation rises, the interest being paid to an investor will increase as will the face value of the bond.

“For an investor to protect principal and earn a positive real return over time they should own securities that rise with inflation,” said Michael McHugh, portfolio manager of the fund, in a release.

McHugh has 18 years of experience in the investment business, and is vice president and head of fixed income investing at Goodman & Co.

The fund will provide variable monthly distributions, and is a 100% RRSP eligible Canadian fixed income fund. In addition to the hedge it provides against inflation, Goodman & Co. says the fund has a low correlation with other funds.