EPFO may pare investments in debt instruments as corporate bonds dry up

What's more EPFO must invest 35-45% of its yearly income in these bonds, which interest rate on par with, or at times lower than, state development loans

The portfolio managers of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) have raised concerns over inadequate supply of corporate bonds in the market, which might lead to the EPFO deviating from its investment pattern.

“Portfolio managers during performance review meetings had expressed concern that at times there are inadequate corporate issuances (in debt and related instruments),” the EPFO said in a recent communiqué.

The EPFO is required to invest between 35 and 45 per cent of its yearly income in corporate bonds. The portfolio managers have informed EPFO that the interest rate offered in the corporate bond segment is