The investment market can be a daunting place, especially for those new to investing in corporate bonds. But with the right strategies and insights, investors can navigate the bond market with confidence.
Baird Advisors' Mary Ellen Stanek and BlackRock's Rick Rieder see plenty of opportunities within the bond market. According to Stanek, with interest rates at historic lows, "there's a lot of value to be had in the corporate bond market." Rieder agrees, noting that the recent economic recovery has been good for corporate bonds, which have seen strong returns over the past year.
Bond funds have some distinct advantages over holding individual bonds. For one, they offer diversification, allowing investors to spread their risk across a range of different bonds. A total bond market index fund usually includes government Treasury, agency bonds, mortgage-backed securities, and investment-grade corporate bonds, providing exposure to a diverse range of fixed-income assets.
The investment market is a perpetual labyrinth of complex processes and strategies, requiring investors to be sharp-witted and adept at reading market trends. One key strategy for navigating the corporate bond market is to focus on credit quality. Yields on highly rated corporate bonds have climbed, but many see better value in government debt. As Rieder notes, "it's important to be selective when investing in corporate bonds and to focus on those companies with strong fundamentals and solid credit ratings."
In the prior edition of the Performing Credit Quarterly, experts cautioned investors to be careful what they wished for, as those pricing in a rapid economic recovery risk overlooking risk in the bond market. However, with the recent uptick in economic activity, many investors are once again bullish on the corporate bond market.
Higher yields and worries about risk debt are fueling a stampede into the investment-grade market. As investors seek out higher returns, they are turning to investment-grade corporate bonds, which offer relatively high yields while still maintaining a high degree of credit quality.
Ratings firms are on track to cut the most US corporate bonds to junk since the early part of the pandemic, further boosting funding costs for companies that already have high levels of debt. This has led many investors to focus on investment-grade bonds, which offer a higher degree of safety and stability.
Bonds are generally considered an essential component of a diversified investment portfolio. They bring income to a portfolio, helping to balance out the volatility of stocks and other risk assets. As Stanek notes, "bonds can provide a steady stream of income, which can be especially valuable for investors who are nearing retirement or who are looking to generate income from their investments."
In summary, investing in corporate bonds requires a careful balance of risk and reward. By focusing on credit quality, diversification, and a long-term investment horizon, investors can navigate the corporate bond market with confidence. Whether investing in individual bonds or bond funds, a well-constructed bond portfolio can provide valuable income and stability to any investment portfolio.
