Rethinking fixed income. By Trevor t. Oliver

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "Rethinking fixed income. By Trevor t. Oliver"

Transcription

1 12 Rethinking fixed income By Trevor t. Oliver

2 Summer/Fall 2012 The Participant : Issue 02 ssga.com/dc/theparticipant 13 The landscape for this asset class has changed. Our approach should too. Investors use bonds for two primary purposes: risk prevention and income. Government and high-grade corporate securities, the traditional mainstays of fixed income portfolios, have filled each role potently for the past three decades. These bonds have provided stability and diversification away from equities, while a nearly continuous decline in interest rates has boosted their prices and total returns. The highest-quality bonds will likely continue to serve as an effective counterweight to stock market risk. They are, however, extremely unlikely to continue generating strong total returns. Today s historically low interest rates undercut the current income produced by traditional bond portfolios and simultaneously increase the likelihood that rates will rise and depress bond prices. The new landscape calls for new strategies. For fixed income portfolios to continue providing both risk protection and income, investors must take advantage of the greater yields offered by higher-risk fixed income assets while managing overall portfolio risk through careful, thorough diversification. Holding an extensive range of sectors that offer exposure to different risks, income levels, return potential and correlations is likely to generate a much stronger balance of risk and reward than would be possible through conventional, high-quality assets alone, says David Ireland, CFA, director of U.S. defined contribution strategy for State Street Global Advisors. SSgA is working to achieve that goal. We are analyzing the variety of opportunities and risks presented by income-producing investments. The insight we gain will help us determine the most effective ways to build and maintain fixed income portfolios. Three easy decades for Treasuries Fixed income investors have had the best of both worlds since the early 1980s. The highest-quality bonds have generated only one-third of stocks volatility, as well as low correlations to the equity market, 1 fulfilling their role as a buffer against stock market losses. Meanwhile, interest rates long slide lifted high-quality bonds returns. Intermediate-term Treasuries gained a stock-like 8.5%, annualized, between 1982 and 2011, 2 as the rate on the five-year Treasury fell from 15% to less than 1%. 3 Most participants in today s workforce have never experienced sustained headwinds to their bond portfolios as a result of rising interest rates. Presumably, most participants would be surprised to see losses in their fixed income investments should rates begin to rise. bonds have trailed stocks only modestly since 1982 but stocks returns have been far more volatile. stock returns * bond returns * stock Returns * bond Returns * 12% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% -10% -20% -30% -40% % 8% 6% 4% 2% 0% 11.0 % 8.5 % * Annualized * Calendar Years 1,2 Ibbotson SBBI 2012 Classic Yearbook. 3 Federal Reserve. Source: Ibbotson Associates SBBI 2012 Classic Yearbook. Stocks represented by the S&P 500; bonds by intermediate-term government bonds. Volatility measured by standard deviation. For illustrative purposes only. Index returns are unmanaged and do not reflect the deduction of any fees or expenses. Index returns reflect all items of income, gain and loss and the reinvestment of dividends and other income. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

3 14 Rethinking fixed income continued Time for a new take on fixed income Government bond returns have approached those of stocks during the last 30 years, with much less volatility. The scenario of low risk and high returns cannot be repeated during the next 30 years. When rates return to more normal levels, prices of existing bonds will fall. In the meantime, low yields will offer little support for bondholders total returns. Investors can capture higher yields while diversifying away a portion of their risk. But while diversification has been standard practice among equity investors for decades, it is relatively new in the fixed income world. To this point many investors have approached bond diversification using the same tools and methodologies that they apply to stocks, says Ireland. But fixed income has fundamental differences that call for a bondspecific approach. The methods that underlie conventional fixed income benchmarks may make them an imperfect foundation for diversified fixed income exposure, for reasons that include the following: 1. An overemphasis on high-quality assets. Traditional indices, and funds that track them, divide bonds credit quality into two categories: investment grade and high yield. Aggregate indices tend to focus exclusively on the former, with large allocations to Treasuries, investment grade corporate debt and high-rated mortgage-backed securities. As a result, defined contribution plans offer primarily investment grade options, and participants allocate the vast majority of their fixed income assets to investment grade credit. High-quality assets play an important role in controlling certain kinds of risk. But assets farther down the credit spectrum offer diversification, greater yield and the potential to mitigate other risks, particularly those related to interest rates and inflation. As a result, incorporating modest exposure to these lower-quality assets could significantly improve participants return potential without a commensurate increase in overall risk. 2. The perverse effects of issuance weighting. The generally accepted method for constructing fixed income indices is to weight securities by issuance: The more debt an institution issues, the greater its representation in the index. This methodology probably stems from an attempt to mirror market-capitalization weighting in equity indices. But issuance weighting in fixed income benchmarks is problematic, in part because it gives issuers a great deal of influence over their own index weightings. Consider what happens when a troubled entity issues large amounts of debt. The new issuance may cause the entity s weight in the index to increase, leading funds to buy more of its debt at precisely the moment the debt becomes less attractive. It s hard to argue that represents an efficient trade-off of risk and return, says Ireland. 3. Shifting risk exposure. The events of the past few years have significantly altered the composition of fixed income indices. Since 2008 the federal government has flooded the market with new debt, and its securities now make up a larger portion of conventional indices. The result: Investors whose fixed income portfolios mirror the Barclays Aggregate hold more concentrated exposure to certain risks than they did five years ago. In these and other ways, conventional fixed income construction leads to a lack of diversification and, as a result, to inefficient portfolios. The market is ripe for a new approach. Investors diversify broadly at the low end of the capital structure, among equities, says John Keller, senior product engineer for SSgA. We think it makes sense to do the same at the high end of the capital structure, among debt securities. At the very least, we should evaluate the risk and return characteristics of belowinvestment grade credits and consider them for inclusion in portfolios. A more rational method Plan sponsors and their participants would benefit from an approach that segments the fixed income market rationally, based on exposure to discrete risks. Fixed income investors are compensated for taking on particular risks, says Keller. We re working to develop a system that manages exposure to those risk factors.

4 Summer/Fall 2012 The Participant : Issue 02 ssga.com/dc/theparticipant 15 PDF Online extras Read SSgA s paper Silent Migrations Within the Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Index to learn about the implications of the changing composition of this index. SSgA proposes the following three-step process for constructing portfolio allocations: 1. Identify a set of risks for which fixed income investors are compensated, such as those related to inflation, interest rates, credit and liquidity. 2. Determine the exposure to each type of risk needed to achieve a particular level of total risk, taking into account diversification among various component risks. 3. Construct portfolios of assets that match the desired exposures. This approach could provide an overall risk level comparable to that of the Barclays Aggregate, with a greater degree of diversification and thus a higher expected return. Better results could elevate the role fixed income plays for participants at all levels of risk preference from simply managing the threat of a stock bear market to contributing meaningfully to their portfolios performance. How fixed income has changed Shifts in the fixed income markets have dramatically altered the composition of bond benchmarks. Consider the percentage of the Barclays U.S. Aggregate each of the following sectors composed at yearend 2007 versus in March 2012: government related 32 % 41 % mortgageand assetbacked 45 % 34 % credit 23 % 26 % Source: Barclays Capital. 12/ / The changes have important implications for portfolio performance. The Barclays Aggregate previously offered a very different balance of exposure to interest-rate risk (through government bonds), credit risk (largely through corporate bonds) and prepayment risk (through mortgage- and asset-backed securities). The shift toward government debt and away from MBS and ABS leaves far more of the benchmark s risk related to changes in interest rates. The impact on participants: Portfolios based on the Barclays Aggregate Index are much more likely to underperform if interest rates rise than they were in the past. They also are less likely to benefit from improvements in the economy, which typically weigh on government bonds. Meanwhile, the emphasis on low-yielding government securities depresses the portfolios potential for total return. Today s defined contribution plans generally offer one or two fixed income funds built using traditional methods. To help participants get the most from their fixed income assets, we need to do more than just offer a greater number of funds: We have to reevaluate the asset class and our approach to it. SSgA is committed to this reassessment. In the months ahead, we will publish research and develop solutions that help plan sponsors adjust to the new reality of today s fixed income markets. P The knowledge gap Many participants realize that low interest rates lead to low returns on money market funds and bonds. But their level of knowledge drops drastically after that. 1 I strongly or somewhat agree that interest rates are low, which means that lower-risk investments, like some bonds and money market funds, are generating lower returns than normal. I understand the term fixed income very well. I understand the term bonds very well. 69 % 43 % 29 % Trevor T. Oliver is a vice president at State Street Global Advisors and director of defined contribution research and product development. He is responsible for the advancement of SSgA s standard DC offerings and the design of custom DC solutions. Participants generally low comprehension of fixed income suggests that plan sponsors and administrators should take the reins by playing an active role in managing risk and identifying opportunities to enhance return. And when communicating with participants, base your message on what a fund does rather than the financial instruments it contains. 1 SSgA Participant Survey, 2012.

5 The Participant Magazine ssga.com/definedcontribution This article is from State Street Global Advisors publication: the participant For more articles like this one, visit Subscriptions: To receive print and/or digital copies of The Participant, please us at or go to and click on subscribe at the bottom of the page. Feedback: We welcome your ideas, your feedback and your suggestions for questions to include in future participant surveys. Send your suggestions to The views expressed in this material are the views of SSgA Defined Contribution through the period ended July 18, 2012, and are subject to change based on market and other conditions.this document contains certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. Please note that any such statements are not guarantees of any future performance, and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected. The information provided does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such. It should not be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security. It does not take into account any investor s particular investment objectives, strategies, tax status or investment horizon. You should consult your tax and financial advisor. All material has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. There is no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information, and State Street shall have no liability for decisions based on such information. Investing involves risk, including the risk of loss of principal. Diversification does not ensure a profit or guarantee against loss. Risk associated with equity investing includes stock values, which may fluctuate in response to the activities of individual companies and general market and economic conditions. Although bonds generally present less shortterm risk and volatility risk than stocks, bonds contain interest rate risks, the risk of issuer default, issuer credit risk, liquidity risk and inflation risk. Increases in real interest rates can cause the price of inflation-protected debt securities to decrease. Generally, among asset classes, stocks are more volatile than bonds or short-term instruments. Government bonds and corporate bonds have more moderate short-term price fluctuations than stocks, but provide lower potential long-term returns. Lower-quality debt securities involve greater risk of default or price changes due to potential changes in the credit quality of the issuer. Asset allocation is a method of diversification which positions assets among major investment categories. Asset allocation may be used in an effort to manage risk and enhance returns. It does not, however, guarantee a profit or protect against loss. DC STATE STREET CORPORATION

The Case for a Custom Fixed Income Benchmark. ssga.com/definedcontribution REFINING THE AGG

The Case for a Custom Fixed Income Benchmark. ssga.com/definedcontribution REFINING THE AGG The Case for a Custom Fixed Income Benchmark ssga.com/definedcontribution REFINING THE AGG For decades, the Barclays US Aggregate Index (the Agg ) has been a popular benchmark for core bond investment

More information

LONG-TERM INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE

LONG-TERM INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE LONG-TERM INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE Source: Created by Raymond James using Ibbotson Presentation Materials 2011 Morningstar. All Rights Reserved. 3/1/2011 Used with permission. TYPES OF ASSET CLASSES Stocks

More information

Today s bond market is riskier and more volatile than in several generations. As

Today s bond market is riskier and more volatile than in several generations. As Fixed Income Approach 2014 Volume 1 Executive Summary Today s bond market is riskier and more volatile than in several generations. As interest rates rise so does the anxiety of fixed income investors

More information

Six Strategies for Volatile Markets When markets get choppy, it pays to have a plan for your investments, and to stick to it.

Six Strategies for Volatile Markets When markets get choppy, it pays to have a plan for your investments, and to stick to it. Six Strategies for Volatile Markets When markets get choppy, it pays to have a plan for your investments, and to stick to it. Fidelity Viewpoints 8/22/15 The markets have become volatile again, prompted

More information

Investor Blind Spots in Short-Duration Bond Funds

Investor Blind Spots in Short-Duration Bond Funds leadership series INVESTMENT INSIGHTS October 213 Investor Blind Spots in Short-Duration Bond Funds Extraordinary central bank intervention that followed the financial crisis produced a prolonged environment

More information

With interest rates at historically low levels, and the U.S. economy showing continued strength,

With interest rates at historically low levels, and the U.S. economy showing continued strength, Managing Interest Rate Risk in Your Bond Holdings THE RIGHT STRATEGY MAY HELP FIXED INCOME PORTFOLIOS DURING PERIODS OF RISING INTEREST RATES. With interest rates at historically low levels, and the U.S.

More information

Fixed Income Investing: What s an Investor to Do?

Fixed Income Investing: What s an Investor to Do? INSIGHTS Fixed Income Investing: What s an Investor to Do? July 2012 203.621.1700 2012, Rocaton Investment Advisors, LLC Executive Summary As interest rates have fallen steadily over the past 20 years,

More information

American Funds Insurance Series. U.S. Government/ AAA-Rated Securities Fund. Summary prospectus Class 3 shares May 1, 2016

American Funds Insurance Series. U.S. Government/ AAA-Rated Securities Fund. Summary prospectus Class 3 shares May 1, 2016 American Funds Insurance Series U.S. Government/ AAA-Rated Securities Fund Summary prospectus Class 3 shares May 1, 2016 Before you invest, you may want to review the fund s prospectus and statement of

More information

RETIREMENT INSIGHTS. Is It Time to Rebalance Your Plan Investments? Mutual Fund Categories: A Primer for New Investors

RETIREMENT INSIGHTS. Is It Time to Rebalance Your Plan Investments? Mutual Fund Categories: A Primer for New Investors RETIREMENT INSIGHTS July 2014 Your HFS Team Heffernan Financial Services 188 Spear Street, Suite 550 San Francisco, CA 94105 800-437-0045 rebeccat@heffgroup.com www.heffgroupfs.com CA Insurance Lic# 0I18899

More information

Guide to mutual fund investing. Start with the basics

Guide to mutual fund investing. Start with the basics Guide to mutual fund investing Start with the basics Pursue your financial goals Why do you invest? For a rainy day? A secure retirement? Funding a college tuition? Having a specific goal in mind will

More information

Understanding Fixed Income

Understanding Fixed Income Understanding Fixed Income 2014 AMP Capital Investors Limited ABN 59 001 777 591 AFSL 232497 Understanding Fixed Income About fixed income at AMP Capital Our global presence helps us deliver outstanding

More information

BlackRock Diversified Income Portfolio. A portfolio from Fidelity Investments designed to seek income while managing risk

BlackRock Diversified Income Portfolio. A portfolio from Fidelity Investments designed to seek income while managing risk BlackRock Diversified Income Portfolio A portfolio from Fidelity Investments designed to seek income while managing risk Fidelity Investments has formed a strategic alliance with BlackRock Investment Management,

More information

An actively managed approach for today s fixed-income markets

An actively managed approach for today s fixed-income markets Q3 2015 Putnam multi-sector fixed-income funds An actively managed approach for today s fixed-income markets D. William Kohli Michael V. Salm Paul D. Scanlon, CFA Putnam s three Co-Heads of Fixed each

More information

Redefining Risk in Fixed Income

Redefining Risk in Fixed Income Investment Insights Series l April 2011 Redefining Risk in Fixed Income What most investors don t know about the new risks in fixed income Summary The world has changed for fixed income investors. The

More information

Impact of rising interest rates on preferred securities

Impact of rising interest rates on preferred securities Impact of rising interest rates on preferred securities This report looks at the risks preferred investors may face in a rising-interest-rate environment. We are currently in a period of historically low

More information

ABF PAN ASIA BOND INDEX FUND An ETF listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong

ABF PAN ASIA BOND INDEX FUND An ETF listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Important Risk Disclosure for PAIF: ABF Pan Asia Bond Index Fund ( PAIF ) is an exchange traded bond fund which seeks to provide investment returns that corresponds closely to the total return of the Markit

More information

Non-FDIC Insured May Lose Value No Bank Guarantee. Time-Tested Investment Strategies for the Long Term

Non-FDIC Insured May Lose Value No Bank Guarantee. Time-Tested Investment Strategies for the Long Term Time-Tested Investment Strategies for the Long Term Invest for the Long-Term Stay the Course Through Ups and Downs History shows that the market goes up and the market goes down. While there may be short-term

More information

Unconstrained Fixed Income

Unconstrained Fixed Income Unconstrained Fixed Income A Dynamic and Flexible Approach to Fixed Income Investing 26th ANNUAL TEXPERS CONFERENCE Global Fixed Income & Liquidity Management March 2015 This material is provided for educational

More information

Documeent title on one or two. high-yield bonds. Executive summary. W Price (per $100 par) W. The diversification merits of high-yield bonds

Documeent title on one or two. high-yield bonds. Executive summary. W Price (per $100 par) W. The diversification merits of high-yield bonds April 01 TIAA-CREF Asset Management Documeent title on one or two The lines enduring Gustan case Book for pt high-yield bonds TIAA-CREF High-Yield Strategy Kevin Lorenz, CFA Managing Director Co-portfolio

More information

PIONEER ADVISORY: Pioneer Absolute Return Credit Fund Name Change

PIONEER ADVISORY: Pioneer Absolute Return Credit Fund Name Change May 2013 PIONEER ADVISORY: Pioneer Absolute Return Credit Fund Name Change Effective June 17, 2013, the Fund s name will change to Pioneer Dynamic Credit Fund. It should be noted that the Fund s portfolio

More information

Bond Market Perspectives

Bond Market Perspectives LPL FINANCIAL RESEARCH Bond Market Perspectives March 26, 2013 High-Yield Bonds and the Credit Cycle Anthony Valeri, CFA Market Strategist LPL Financial Highlights More speculative issuance has increased

More information

MainStay VP Janus Balanced Portfolio

MainStay VP Janus Balanced Portfolio Summary Prospectus May 1, 2015 MainStay VP Janus Balanced Portfolio To Statutory Prospectus To Statement of Additional Information Before you invest, you may want to review the Portfolio's Prospectus,

More information

WHAT ROLE DO BONDS PLAY IN YOUR PORTFOLIO? Guard Against Interest Rate Risk and Credit Events

WHAT ROLE DO BONDS PLAY IN YOUR PORTFOLIO? Guard Against Interest Rate Risk and Credit Events RETHINK YOUR BONDS Building Better Bond Portfolios Interest rates may inch up this year, but expect them to be low for some time to come. You can continue to achieve your fixed income goals in this environment

More information

Managing Risk/Reward in Fixed Income

Managing Risk/Reward in Fixed Income INSIGHTS Managing Risk/Reward in Fixed Income Using Global Currency-Hedged Indices as Benchmarks In the pursuit of alpha, is it better to use a global hedged or unhedged index as a benchmark for measuring

More information

Rethinking Fixed Income:

Rethinking Fixed Income: Rethinking Fixed Income: The Importance of Income and Flexibility January 2011 Executive Summary Over the past 30 years, fixed-income investors have benefited from one of the largest secular trends in

More information

Documeent title on one or two. high-yield bonds. Executive summary. W Price (per $100 par) W Yield to worst 110

Documeent title on one or two. high-yield bonds. Executive summary. W Price (per $100 par) W Yield to worst 110 April 2014 TIAA-CREF Asset Management Documeent title on one or two The lines enduring Gustan case Book for 24pt high-yield bonds TIAA-CREF High-Yield Strategy Kevin Lorenz, CFA Managing Director Portfolio

More information

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF GREATER MEMPHIS, INC. INVESTMENT GUIDELINES FOR MONEY MARKET POOL

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF GREATER MEMPHIS, INC. INVESTMENT GUIDELINES FOR MONEY MARKET POOL INVESTMENT GUIDELINES FOR MONEY MARKET POOL discretionary Money Market Pool is expected to pursue their stated investment strategy and follow the investment guidelines and objectives set forth herein.

More information

ALLOCATION STRATEGIES A, C, & I SHARES PROSPECTUS August 1, 2015

ALLOCATION STRATEGIES A, C, & I SHARES PROSPECTUS August 1, 2015 ALLOCATION STRATEGIES A, C, & I SHARES PROSPECTUS August 1, 2015 Investment Adviser: RidgeWorth Investments A Shares C Shares I Shares Aggressive Growth Allocation Strategy SLAAX CLVLX CVMGX Conservative

More information

Bond Fund of the TIAA-CREF Life Funds

Bond Fund of the TIAA-CREF Life Funds Summary Prospectus MAY 1, 2015 Bond Fund of the TIAA-CREF Life Funds Ticker: TLBDX Before you invest, you may want to review the Fund s prospectus, which contains more information about the Fund and its

More information

The Search for Yield Continues: A Re-introduction to Bank Loans

The Search for Yield Continues: A Re-introduction to Bank Loans INSIGHTS The Search for Yield Continues: A Re-introduction to Bank Loans 203.621.1700 2013, Rocaton Investment Advisors, LLC Executive Summary With the Federal Reserve pledging to stick to its zero interest-rate

More information

The Coming Volatility

The Coming Volatility The Coming Volatility Lowell Bolken, CFA Vice President and Portfolio Manager Real estate Securities June 18, 2015 www.advantuscapital.com S&P 500 Percent Daily Change in Price September 2008 to April

More information

Fixed Income: The Hidden Risk of Indexing

Fixed Income: The Hidden Risk of Indexing MANNING & NAPIER ADVISORS, INC. Fixed Income: The Hidden Risk of Indexing Unless otherwise noted, all figures are based in USD. Fixed income markets in the U.S. are vast. At roughly twice the size of domestic

More information

Are Bonds Going to Outperform Stocks Over the Long Run? Not Likely.

Are Bonds Going to Outperform Stocks Over the Long Run? Not Likely. July 2009 Page 1 Are Bonds Going to Outperform Stocks Over the Long Run? Not Likely. Given the poor performance of stocks over the past year and the past decade, there has been ample discussion about the

More information

IU Retirement Plan (57524) Start investing in yourself today, with help from IU Retirement Plan and Fidelity.

IU Retirement Plan (57524) Start investing in yourself today, with help from IU Retirement Plan and Fidelity. IU Retirement Plan (57524) Start investing in yourself today, with help from IU Retirement Plan and Fidelity. Invest some of what you earn today for what you plan to accomplish tomorrow. Dear Indiana University

More information

Diversify portfolios with U.S. and international bonds

Diversify portfolios with U.S. and international bonds Diversify portfolios with U.S. and international bonds Investing broadly across asset classes such as stocks, bonds and cash can help reduce volatility and risk within a portfolio. Canadian investors have

More information

Bond Mutual Funds. a guide to. A bond mutual fund is an investment company. that pools money from shareholders and invests

Bond Mutual Funds. a guide to. A bond mutual fund is an investment company. that pools money from shareholders and invests a guide to Bond Mutual Funds A bond mutual fund is an investment company that pools money from shareholders and invests primarily in a diversified portfolio of bonds. Table of Contents What Is a Bond?...

More information

Vanguard Target Retirement Funds

Vanguard Target Retirement Funds Vanguard Target Retirement Funds Supplement to the Prospectus Dated January 27, 2014 Prospectus Text Changes The Average Annual Total Returns table for Vanguard Target Retirement Income Fund is replaced

More information

Retirement Balanced Fund

Retirement Balanced Fund SUMMARY PROSPECTUS TRRIX October 1, 2015 T. Rowe Price Retirement Balanced Fund A fund designed for retired investors seeking capital growth and income through investments in a combination of T. Rowe Price

More information

IU Tax Deferred Annuity Plan (51913) IU TDA Plan. Start investing in yourself today, with help from IU TDA Plan and Fidelity.

IU Tax Deferred Annuity Plan (51913) IU TDA Plan. Start investing in yourself today, with help from IU TDA Plan and Fidelity. IU Tax Deferred Annuity Plan (51913) IU TDA Plan Start investing in yourself today, with help from IU TDA Plan and Fidelity. Invest some of what you earn today for what you plan to accomplish tomorrow.

More information

SAVINGS GROWTH PLAN. Looking forward to new horizons. investment options

SAVINGS GROWTH PLAN. Looking forward to new horizons. investment options SAVINGS GROWTH PLAN SAVINGS GROWTH PLAN SAVINGS GROWTH PLAN Looking forward to new horizons. investment options 4 2020-2060 Portfolios BlackRock Table of Contents 6 Retirement Portfolio BlackRock 8 Short-Term

More information

Six strategies for volatile markets

Six strategies for volatile markets Six strategies for volatile markets When markets get choppy, it pays to have a plan for your investments, and to stick to it. by Fidelity Viewpoints 06/30/2016 No investor likes to hear that the market

More information

Unconstrained Fixed Income: One Asset Manager s Perspective HIMCO Webinar

Unconstrained Fixed Income: One Asset Manager s Perspective HIMCO Webinar Unconstrained Fixed Income: One Asset Manager s Perspective HIMCO Webinar October 1, 2014 14-0408 Unconstrained Fixed Income: One Asset Manager s Perspective Presenters Christopher Zeppieri, CFA Vice President

More information

NPH Fixed Income Research Update. Bob Downing, CFA. NPH Senior Investment & Due Diligence Analyst

NPH Fixed Income Research Update. Bob Downing, CFA. NPH Senior Investment & Due Diligence Analyst White Paper: NPH Fixed Income Research Update Authored By: Bob Downing, CFA NPH Senior Investment & Due Diligence Analyst National Planning Holdings, Inc. Due Diligence Department National Planning Holdings,

More information

Interest Rates and Inflation: How They Might Affect Managed Futures

Interest Rates and Inflation: How They Might Affect Managed Futures Faced with the prospect of potential declines in both bonds and equities, an allocation to managed futures may serve as an appealing diversifier to traditional strategies. HIGHLIGHTS Managed Futures have

More information

FIXED INCOME INVESTORS HAVE OPTIONS TO INCREASE RETURNS, LOWER RISK

FIXED INCOME INVESTORS HAVE OPTIONS TO INCREASE RETURNS, LOWER RISK 1 FIXED INCOME INVESTORS HAVE OPTIONS TO INCREASE RETURNS, LOWER RISK By Michael McMurray, CFA Senior Consultant As all investors are aware, fixed income yields and overall returns generally have been

More information

Bond Fund Investing in a Rising Rate Environment

Bond Fund Investing in a Rising Rate Environment MUTUAL FUND RESEARCH Danette Szakaly Ext. 71937 Date Issued: 1/14/11 Fund Investing in a Rising Rate Environment The recent rise in U.S. Treasury bond yields has some investors wondering how to manage

More information

Seeking a More Efficient Fixed Income Portfolio with Asia Bonds

Seeking a More Efficient Fixed Income Portfolio with Asia Bonds Seeking a More Efficient Fixed Income Portfolio with Asia s Seeking a More Efficient Fixed Income Portfolio with Asia s Drawing upon different drivers for performance, Asia fixed income may improve risk-return

More information

SHARES NOT FDIC INSURED MAY LOSE VALUE NO BANK GUARANTEE. BKLN PowerShares Senior Loan Portfolio

SHARES NOT FDIC INSURED MAY LOSE VALUE NO BANK GUARANTEE. BKLN PowerShares Senior Loan Portfolio SHARES NOT FDIC INSURED MAY LOSE VALUE NO BANK GUARANTEE PowerShares Senior Loan Portfolio PowerShares Senior Loan Portfolio is the first senior loan exchange-traded fund (ETF) and seeks investment results

More information

Finding income and managing risk in a near-zero interest-rate environment

Finding income and managing risk in a near-zero interest-rate environment Aging Workforce Series Finding income and managing risk in a near-zero interest-rate environment William Martin, Head of Fixed-Income Portfolio Management TIAA-CREF Executive Summary Yields in traditional

More information

Fixed-income opportunity: Short duration high yield

Fixed-income opportunity: Short duration high yield March 2014 Insights from: An income solution for a low or rising interest-rate environment Generating income is a key objective for many investors, and one that is increasingly difficult to achieve in

More information

Balanced Fund RPBAX. T. Rowe Price SUMMARY PROSPECTUS

Balanced Fund RPBAX. T. Rowe Price SUMMARY PROSPECTUS SUMMARY PROSPECTUS RPBAX May 1, 2016 T. Rowe Price Balanced Fund A fund seeking capital growth and current income through a portfolio of approximately 65% stocks and 35% fixed income securities. Before

More information

Seix Total Return Bond Fund

Seix Total Return Bond Fund Summary Prospectus Seix Total Return Bond Fund AUGUST 1, 2015 (AS REVISED FEBRUARY 1, 2016) Class / Ticker Symbol A / CBPSX R / SCBLX I / SAMFX IS / SAMZX Before you invest, you may want to review the

More information

HIGH QUALITY PREMIER OUR PHILOSOPHY THE ATTRIBUTES OUR APPROACH

HIGH QUALITY PREMIER OUR PHILOSOPHY THE ATTRIBUTES OUR APPROACH HIGH QUALITY PREMIER September 30, 2015 (3Q) FACT SHEET OUR PHILOSOPHY We believe that securities with stable and predictable cash flows, and low credit and event risk produce consistent returns while

More information

How Smaller Stocks May Offer Larger Returns

How Smaller Stocks May Offer Larger Returns Strategic Advisory Solutions April 2015 How Smaller Stocks May Offer Larger Returns In an environment where the US continues to be the growth engine of the developed world, investors may find opportunity

More information

Bonds, in the most generic sense, are issued with three essential components.

Bonds, in the most generic sense, are issued with three essential components. Page 1 of 5 Bond Basics Often considered to be one of the most conservative of all investments, bonds actually provide benefits to both conservative and more aggressive investors alike. The variety of

More information

CALVERT UNCONSTRAINED BOND FUND A More Expansive Approach to Fixed-Income Investing

CALVERT UNCONSTRAINED BOND FUND A More Expansive Approach to Fixed-Income Investing CALVERT UNCONSTRAINED BOND FUND A More Expansive Approach to Fixed-Income Investing A Challenging Environment for Investors MOVING BEYOND TRADITIONAL FIXED-INCOME INVESTING ALONE For many advisors and

More information

Liquidity Tiering for Higher Yields in the Tax-Free Market

Liquidity Tiering for Higher Yields in the Tax-Free Market January 2013 Liquidity Tiering for Higher Yields in the Tax-Free Market In today s low-yield environment, investors need a fresh approach to managing their portfolios for higher income. Liquidity tiering

More information

Mortgage and Asset Backed Securities Investment Strategy

Mortgage and Asset Backed Securities Investment Strategy Mortgage and Asset Backed Securities Investment Strategy Traditional fixed income has enjoyed an environment of falling interest rates over the past 30 years. Average of 10 & 30 Year Treasury Yields (1981

More information

1. General Obligation Bonds (G.O.s): Bonds backed by the full taxing power of the issuer.

1. General Obligation Bonds (G.O.s): Bonds backed by the full taxing power of the issuer. S&P INDICES Fixed Income February 2010 S&P Fixed Income Indices: Municipal Bond Investor Tool Kit Key Terms Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT): An extra tax that some taxpayers are required to pay in addition

More information

Documeent title on one or two. high-yield bonds. Executive summary. W Price (per $100 par) W Yield to worst 110

Documeent title on one or two. high-yield bonds. Executive summary. W Price (per $100 par) W Yield to worst 110 May 2015 TIAA-CREF Asset Management Documeent title on one or two The lines enduring Gustan case Book for 24pt high-yield bonds TIAA-CREF High-Yield Strategy Kevin Lorenz, CFA Managing Director Portfolio

More information

The recent volatility of high-yield bonds: Spreads widen though fundamentals stay strong

The recent volatility of high-yield bonds: Spreads widen though fundamentals stay strong Investment Insights The recent volatility of high-yield bonds: Spreads widen though fundamentals stay strong Kevin Lorenz, CFA, Managing Director, Lead Portfolio Manager of TIAA-CREF's High-Yield Fund

More information

PROTECTING YOUR PORTFOLIO WITH BONDS

PROTECTING YOUR PORTFOLIO WITH BONDS Your Global Investment Authority PROTECTING YOUR PORTFOLIO WITH BONDS Bond strategies for an evolving market Market uncertainty has left many investors wondering how to protect their portfolios during

More information

Investing. Mutual Fund. ABC Company 123 Main Street Anywhere, USA 12345 www.sampleabccompany.com 800.123.4567

Investing. Mutual Fund. ABC Company 123 Main Street Anywhere, USA 12345 www.sampleabccompany.com 800.123.4567 Mutual Fund Investing Your promotional imprint here and/or back cover. ABC Company 123 Main Street Anywhere, USA 12345 www.sampleabccompany.com 800.123.4567 Mutual funds are one of the most popular ways

More information

CMG Managed High Yield Bond Program. 2015 CMG Capital Management Group, Inc.

CMG Managed High Yield Bond Program. 2015 CMG Capital Management Group, Inc. CMG Managed High Yield Bond Program About CMG CMG is a Registered Investment Advisor located in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania founded in 1992 by Stephen Blumenthal. Since our inception, CMG has embraced

More information

In Search of Yield. Actively Managed High Yield Bond Funds May Offer Long-Term Value

In Search of Yield. Actively Managed High Yield Bond Funds May Offer Long-Term Value In Search of Yield Actively Managed High Yield Bond Funds May Offer Long-Term Value In Search of Yield The Case for Actively Managed High Yield Bond Funds CONTENTS 2 Losing Ground to Inflation: The Impact

More information

Non-FDIC Insured May Lose Value No Bank Guarantee. Time-Tested Investment Strategies for the Long Term

Non-FDIC Insured May Lose Value No Bank Guarantee. Time-Tested Investment Strategies for the Long Term Non-FDIC Insured May Lose Value No Bank Guarantee Time-Tested Investment Strategies for the Long Term Rely on These Four Time-Tested Strategies to Keep You on Course. Buy Right and Sit Tight Keep Your

More information

Understanding Fixed Income Returns: Past, Present and Future by Stephen Kroah,CFA

Understanding Fixed Income Returns: Past, Present and Future by Stephen Kroah,CFA Understanding Fixed Income Returns: Past, Present and Future by Stephen Kroah,CFA In today s economic environment, much discussion is centered around the impact of rising interest rates on fixed income

More information

A GUIDE TO FLOATING RATE BANK LOANS:

A GUIDE TO FLOATING RATE BANK LOANS: Contact information: Advisor Services: (631) 629-4908 E-mail: info@catalystmf.com Website: www.catalystmf.com A GUIDE TO FLOATING RATE BANK LOANS: An Attractive Investment for a Rising Interest Rate Environment

More information

GLOSSARY OF INVESTMENT-RELATED TERMS FOR NATIONAL ELECTRICAL ANNUITY PLAN PARTICIPANTS

GLOSSARY OF INVESTMENT-RELATED TERMS FOR NATIONAL ELECTRICAL ANNUITY PLAN PARTICIPANTS GLOSSARY OF INVESTMENT-RELATED TERMS FOR NATIONAL ELECTRICAL ANNUITY PLAN PARTICIPANTS General Information This Glossary of Investment-Related Terms for National Electrical Annuity Plan Participants (the

More information

Our time-tested approach to investing is very straightforward. And we re ready to make it work for you.

Our time-tested approach to investing is very straightforward. And we re ready to make it work for you. What Works Our time-tested approach to investing is very straightforward. And we re ready to make it work for you. Three important steps. Ten effective principles. Three important steps. Ten effective

More information

High Yield Municipal Bond Outlook

High Yield Municipal Bond Outlook INSIGHTS High Yield Municipal Bond Outlook 203.621.1700 2014, Rocaton Investment Advisors, LLC EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Uncertainty surrounding Federal Reserve interest rate policies and negative municipal headlines

More information

BOND ALERT. What Investors Should Know. July 2013 WWW.LONGVIEWCPTL.COM 2 MILL ROAD, SUITE 105

BOND ALERT. What Investors Should Know. July 2013 WWW.LONGVIEWCPTL.COM 2 MILL ROAD, SUITE 105 BOND ALERT July 2013 What Investors Should Know This special report will help you understand the current environment for bonds and discuss how that environment may change with rising interest rates. We

More information

PROFESSIONAL FIXED-INCOME MANAGEMENT

PROFESSIONAL FIXED-INCOME MANAGEMENT MARCH 2014 PROFESSIONAL FIXED-INCOME MANAGEMENT A Strategy for Changing Markets EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The bond market has evolved in the past 30 years and become increasingly complex and volatile. Many investors

More information

Bonds: A Solution for Yield-Starved Insurance Companies?

Bonds: A Solution for Yield-Starved Insurance Companies? August 2015 A Solution for Yield-Starved Insurance Companies: Dividend Equities Federal Reserve efforts to normalize monetary policy are unlikely to provide meaningful relief for yield-starved insurance

More information

MADISON CORPORATE BOND FUND INVESTMENT STRATEGY LETTER

MADISON CORPORATE BOND FUND INVESTMENT STRATEGY LETTER madisonadv.com madisonfunds.com 2015 2Q EXCELLENCE IN INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT MADISON CORPORATE BOND FUND INVESTMENT STRATEGY LETTER Market Review With Independence Day fast approaching, fireworks began

More information

GNMA Fund PRGMX. T. Rowe Price SUMMARY PROSPECTUS

GNMA Fund PRGMX. T. Rowe Price SUMMARY PROSPECTUS SUMMARY PROSPECTUS PRGMX October 1, 2015 T. Rowe Price GNMA Fund A bond fund seeking income and high overall credit quality through investments in mortgage-backed securities issued by the Government National

More information

SAMPLE INVESTMENT POLICY STATEMENT

SAMPLE INVESTMENT POLICY STATEMENT SAMPLE INVESTMENT POLICY STATEMENT 2003 Prepared by: Jay D. Ahlbeck, CLU, ChFC JDA & Associates Securities and Advisory Services offered through Mutual Service Corporation, a Registered Investment Advisor,

More information

John Hancock Funds II Supplement dated September 30, 2013 to the current Summary Prospectus

John Hancock Funds II Supplement dated September 30, 2013 to the current Summary Prospectus John Hancock Funds II Supplement dated September 30, 2013 to the current Summary Prospectus John Hancock Retirement Living 2010-2050 Portfolios John Hancock Retirement Choices 2010-2050 Portfolios John

More information

Pioneer Bond Fund. Performance Analysis & Commentary September 2015. Fund Ticker Symbols: PIOBX (Class A); PICYX (Class Y) us.pioneerinvestments.

Pioneer Bond Fund. Performance Analysis & Commentary September 2015. Fund Ticker Symbols: PIOBX (Class A); PICYX (Class Y) us.pioneerinvestments. Pioneer Bond Fund COMMENTARY Performance Analysis & Commentary September 2015 Fund Ticker Symbols: PIOBX (Class A); PICYX (Class Y) us.pioneerinvestments.com Third Quarter Review Pioneer Bond Fund s Class

More information

State Street Target Retirement Funds - Class K

State Street Target Retirement Funds - Class K The State Street Target Retirement Funds - Class K (the "Funds") represent units of ownership in the State Street Target Retirement Non-Lending Series Funds. The Funds seek to offer complete, low cost

More information

Rethinking Fixed Income

Rethinking Fixed Income Rethinking Fixed Income Challenging Conventional Wisdom May 2013 Risk. Reinsurance. Human Resources. Rethinking Fixed Income: Challenging Conventional Wisdom With US Treasury interest rates at, or near,

More information

9 Questions Every ETF Investor Should Ask Before Investing

9 Questions Every ETF Investor Should Ask Before Investing 9 Questions Every ETF Investor Should Ask Before Investing 1. What is an ETF? 2. What kinds of ETFs are available? 3. How do ETFs differ from other investment products like mutual funds, closed-end funds,

More information

Why own bonds when yields are low?

Why own bonds when yields are low? Why own bonds when yields are low? Vanguard research November 213 Executive summary. Given the backdrop of low yields in government bond markets across much of the developed world, many investors may be

More information

Assessing Risk Tolerance for Asset Allocation

Assessing Risk Tolerance for Asset Allocation Contributions Droms Assessing Risk Tolerance for Asset Allocation by William G. Droms, DBA, CFA, and Steven N. Strauss, CPA/PFS William G. Droms, DBA, CFA, is the Powers Professor of Finance in the McDonough

More information

Timely Topics. The Benchmark Standard. May 30, 2013. Highlights. What Is a Benchmark, and Why Is It Important? LPL FINANCIAL RESEARCH

Timely Topics. The Benchmark Standard. May 30, 2013. Highlights. What Is a Benchmark, and Why Is It Important? LPL FINANCIAL RESEARCH LPL FINANCIAL RESEARCH Timely Topics May 30, 2013 The Benchmark Standard Highlights LPL Financial Research believes investors need to choose a benchmark that best reflects the investment style of their

More information

Holding the middle ground with convertible securities

Holding the middle ground with convertible securities January 2015» White paper Holding the middle ground with convertible securities Eric N. Harthun, CFA Portfolio Manager Robert L. Salvin Portfolio Manager Key takeaways Convertible securities are an often-overlooked

More information

Fixed Income Liquidity in a Rising Rate Environment

Fixed Income Liquidity in a Rising Rate Environment Fixed Income Liquidity in a Rising Rate Environment 2 Executive Summary Ò Fixed income market liquidity has declined, causing greater concern about prospective liquidity in a potential broad market sell-off

More information

SOA Annual Symposium Shanghai. November 5-6, 2012. Shanghai, China. Session 2a: Capital Market Drives Investment Strategy.

SOA Annual Symposium Shanghai. November 5-6, 2012. Shanghai, China. Session 2a: Capital Market Drives Investment Strategy. SOA Annual Symposium Shanghai November 5-6, 2012 Shanghai, China Session 2a: Capital Market Drives Investment Strategy Genghui Wu Capital Market Drives Investment Strategy Genghui Wu FSA, CFA, FRM, MAAA

More information

Evolving your fixed income strategy

Evolving your fixed income strategy Evolving your fixed income strategy 3Q 2015 INVESTMENT INSIGHTS NOT FDIC INSURED NO BANK GUARANTEE MAY LOSE VALUE PLEASE VISIT jpmorganfunds.com for access to all of our Insights publications. Opportunities

More information

Finding yield in dividendpaying

Finding yield in dividendpaying Market & Investment Insights Finding yield in dividendpaying stocks Mike Holbert, Portfolio Manager, Active Equities Article Highlights: Low interest rates have spurred investors to search for yield outside

More information

Objective: Avoiding Market Declines*

Objective: Avoiding Market Declines* INVESTOR PRESENTATION DYNAMIC FIXED INCOME PORTFOLIOS Objective: Avoiding Market Declines* Toews 1750 Zion Road, Suite 201 Northfield, NJ 08225 TL (877) 863-9726 www.toewscorp.com *There can be no assurance

More information

Leader Short-Term Bond Fund. Leader Total Return Fund

Leader Short-Term Bond Fund. Leader Total Return Fund Leader Short-Term Bond Fund Institutional Shares: Investor Shares: Class A Shares: Class C Shares: LCCIX LCCMX LCAMX LCMCX Leader Total Return Fund Institutional Shares: Investor Shares: Class A Shares:

More information

Navigator Fixed Income Total Return

Navigator Fixed Income Total Return CCM-15-08-1 As of 8/31/2015 Navigator Fixed Income Total Return Navigate Fixed Income with a Tactical Approach With yields hovering at historic lows, bond portfolios could decline if interest rates rise.

More information

Asset Matters: How Goals-Based Allocation Drives Portfolio Positioning

Asset Matters: How Goals-Based Allocation Drives Portfolio Positioning Asset Matters: How Goals-Based Allocation Drives Portfolio Positioning November 16, 2015 by Matthew Rubin of Neuberger Berman When we work with clients to design a customized portfolio, we need to understand

More information

AON MASTER TRUST. Introduction to investments. aonmastertrust.com.au

AON MASTER TRUST. Introduction to investments. aonmastertrust.com.au AON MASTER TRUST Introduction to investments aonmastertrust.com.au CONTENTS Risk versus return... 3 Asset classes... 4 Defensive and growth asset classes... 5 Asset class performance... 6 Managing risk...

More information

Time to Invest in Short-Term Bonds?

Time to Invest in Short-Term Bonds? First Quarter 2010 Time to Invest in Short-Term Bonds? Executive Summary This paper outlines why now may be an opportune time to invest in short-term bonds. We believe short-term bonds offer: Less downside

More information

Deutsche Floating Rate Fund

Deutsche Floating Rate Fund Taxable Fixed-Income 2 nd quarter 2014 Deutsche Floating Rate Fund Access a world of opportunities through the global resources of Deutsche Bank Canada United States Netherlands Belgium United Kingdom

More information

Prospectus Socially Responsible Funds

Prospectus Socially Responsible Funds Prospectus Socially Responsible Funds Calvert Social Investment Fund (CSIF) Balanced Portfolio Equity Portfolio Enhanced Equity Portfolio Bond Portfolio Money Market Portfolio Calvert Social Index Fund

More information

Wells Fargo Advantage Dow Jones Target Date Funds SM

Wells Fargo Advantage Dow Jones Target Date Funds SM Wells Fargo Advantage Dow Jones Target Date Funds SM Annual Report February 28, 2015 Wells Fargo Advantage Dow Jones Target Today Fund SM Wells Fargo Advantage Dow Jones Target 2010 Fund SM Wells Fargo

More information

Hillswick Asset Management, LLC Core Fixed Income Composite

Hillswick Asset Management, LLC Core Fixed Income Composite Year End (Millions) USD (Millions) Assets Number of Accounts Hillswick Asset Management, LLC Core Fixed Income Gross Aggregate Gov't/Credit Dispersion Barclays Capital Aggregate Gov't/Credit 2014 1,372

More information