Fixed income securities provide investors with a steady stream of fixed or variable periodic interest payments and the eventual return of principal upon maturity. These types of investments are popular among investors who prefer a more conservative approach to investing. However, navigating the fixed income investment landscape can be complex, and there are significant differences between publicly traded fixed income sub-asset classes.
For passive ETFs tracking these securities, this can pose some challenges. The underlying securities in fixed income ETFs can be subject to price swings, which can cause the ETFs to deviate from their underlying indexes. Additionally, these ETFs can have higher expenses, which can eat into returns. For fixed income investors looking for yield, it may make sense for some to consider actively managed funds instead.
While returns from fixed-income mutual funds are non-linear due to their mark-to-market nature, long-term investment in these funds can provide a steady stream of income for investors. However, it is important to note that these funds can be subject to interest rate risk and credit risk, which can affect their returns.
There are significant differences between publicly traded fixed income sub-asset classes. Investment managers replying to this questionnaire identified high yield bonds, investment grade bonds, emerging market debt, and municipal bonds as the most popular sub-asset classes. Understanding these differences can help investors make more informed decisions about their investments.
“International investing just seems like a better alternative for many investors,” said Todd Rosenbluth, director of mutual fund and ETF research at CFRA. And with that information, the financial industry has responded with an array of bond ETFs that invest in foreign bonds.
Bonds are investment securities where an investor lends money to a company or government for a set period of time in exchange for regular interest payments. The interest rate offered by a bond depends on a variety of factors, including credit quality, maturity, and inflation expectations. Bonds can be issued by corporations, governments, and municipalities.
Indeed, 2022 was a grim experience for traditional fixed interest investors, and the broad conditions for bond markets were the equivalent of a perfect storm. The U.S. Federal Reserve raised interest rates four times in 2022, while inflation remained stubbornly high. This resulted in a sharp sell-off in the bond market, with yields on 10-year U.S. Treasuries rising to their highest level in years.
This environment also favors higher-beta fixed income, including asset-backed securities, high-yield bonds, and emerging-markets debt. These are high-risk, high-reward investments that can offer higher yields than traditional fixed-income investments. However, investors should be aware of the risk associated with these types of investments.
Wealth management firm Treasury Partners utilizes IMTC's cloud-based fixed income portfolio management, trading, and investment policy. This platform allows the firm to manage its clients' fixed income portfolios more efficiently and effectively, providing clients with a more personalized investment experience.
Overall, navigating the fixed income investment landscape requires a thorough understanding of the various sub-asset classes and the risk associated with each. Investors should consider their investment goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon before making any investment decisions.
