Why buy fixed income? - Butler Financial, LTD (2024)

Markets & Investing

March 18, 2024

Doug Drabik discusses fixed income market conditions and offers insight for bond investors.

Sometimes it seems as though market products are pitted against each other. The consideration is based on the latest news or potential forecast that improves an investor’s at-the-moment potential. The reality is that long-term strategic planning utilizes the characteristics of many market products that work with each other supporting an overall strategy. Long-term considerations apply to growth assets (like stocks) just as temporary advantages likewise may affect fixed income. Each asset plays a role and although the market is presenting growth-like returns in individual bonds, the long-term protective features govern their portfolio purpose.

I’ve been in this business a long time and still can’t help but get caught up in the excitement, risk, potential, and drama of swinging for the fence. If we consume the right information and time things just right and invest in the perfect company and interest rates swing in our favor and availability abounds… we might just hit that perfect investment “home run”. This process makes things more exciting and perhaps we even believe we can outsmart the entire market and outperform everyone else. I’ve played the lotto with the same enthusiasm and hope but realize that while exciting, it is not a reliable long-term strategy for building an investment portfolio.

No matter what the debate, it will not appeal to 100% of investors. There will always be investors adamant about beating the odds or others so conservative that even the slightest risk is too much. The practical account is to examine what works long term for most investors and that likely encapsulates both growth assets and assets designed to protect capital.

Fixed income is not designed to grow wealth. It is designed to keep one’s wealth intact. Therefore it is important regardless of where interest rates are. Individual bonds provide investors with known cash flow, known income and a known point in time when an investor’s face value will be returned. Admittedly, fixed income should be mustering special attention because yields are at levels that are as high as they have been in over 17 years. This allows investors a product that helps to keep capital intact and, as a bonus, produce growth-like income.

There is a lot of noise out there. Remember why you buy fixed income. The reason is likely the same regardless of the interest rate environment. However, enjoy the additional income benefit!

The author of this material is a Trader in the Fixed Income Department of Raymond James & Associates (RJA), and is not an Analyst. Any opinions expressed may differ from opinions expressed by other departments of RJA, including our Equity Research Department, and are subject to change without notice. The data and information contained herein was obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but RJA does not guarantee its accuracy and/or completeness. Neither the information nor any opinions expressed constitute a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security referred to herein. This material may include analysis of sectors, securities and/or derivatives that RJA may have positions, long or short, held proprietarily. RJA or its affiliates may execute transactions which may not be consistent with the report’s conclusions. RJA may also have performed investment banking services for the issuers of such securities. Investors should discuss the risks inherent in bonds with their Raymond James Financial Advisor. Risks include, but are not limited to, changes in interest rates, liquidity, credit quality, volatility, and duration. Past performance is no assurance of future results.

Investment products are: not deposits, not FDIC/NCUA insured, not insured by any government agency, not bank guaranteed, subject to risk and may lose value.

To learn more about the risks and rewards of investing in fixed income, access the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority’s website at finra.org/investors/learn-to-invest/types-investments/bonds and the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s (MSRB) Electronic Municipal Market Access System (EMMA) at emma.msrb.org.

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Why buy fixed income? - Butler Financial, LTD (2024)

FAQs

Why would you invest in fixed-income? ›

Fixed income is an asset class that is a commonly held investment because it helps preserve capital. Fixed-income investments, or bonds as they are commonly known, typically provide a premium above inflation and experience less return volatility compared with shares.

Why buy fixed-income now? ›

Here are 3 reasons why now's a good time to evaluate the role of high-quality fixed income exposure in your portfolio. Bonds are providing healthier yields than we've seen since before the 2008 global financial crisis. Higher current yields support a much-improved outlook for bond returns going forward.

Why do people trade fixed-income? ›

Income: All fixed-income securities (with the exception of zero-coupon bonds) provide some form of regular interest payments to investors. This makes the fixed-income market especially attractive to investors whose main investment goal is providing themselves with a steady income.

What is buying fixed-income? ›

Fixed-income investing is a lower-risk investment strategy that focuses on generating consistent payments from investments such as bonds, money-market funds and certificates of deposit, or CDs.

What are the benefits of a fixed-income fund? ›

Fixed income investments are designed to generate a specific level of interest income, while also providing diversification, capital preservation, and potential tax exemptions.

Is fixed-income good or bad? ›

Fixed-income investing can be a good strategy for new investors who want stability and regular income. Bonds and other fixed-income assets offer reliable returns and can help manage risk, as they are less volatile than stocks.

Why are you interested in fixed-income? ›

Active fixed-income management not only offers potential for enhanced returns but can also add value by aligning an investor's objectives with risks in several key areas—market structure, credit deterioration, dislocations, and dispersion—where index-tracking approaches may fall short.

Why fixed-income is better than equity? ›

Fixed-income securities and equities are popular investments with millions of investors in the United States. Fixed-income investments pay regular interest and tend to have less risk, making them favorable to risk-averse investors. Equities, on the other hand, can have high returns, but also tend to be riskier.

Why is fixed-income attractive right now? ›

In general, prices rise as yields fall in fixed income. So, investing in higher-yielding fixed income today could capture yield with the potential for positive price performance should market yields continue to fall, tracking cash investment yields lower along with Fed rate cuts.

Why is it called fixed income? ›

The term "fixed" in "fixed income" refers to both the schedule of obligatory payments and the amount. "Fixed income securities" can be distinguished from inflation-indexed bonds, variable-interest rate notes, and the like.

Why invest in fixed income ETF? ›

Finally, Fixed Income ETFs have the advantage of never expiring. Bonds have a limited lifetime and once they reach maturity (the point at which the bond issuer must repay the bondholder in full), the 'debt' is canceled. Most fixed-income ETFs do not mature and this makes managing your portfolio easier.

What makes a good fixed income trader? ›

Fixed income traders should be well-versed in fixed income instruments such as bonds or corporate bonds. Many employers require fixed income traders to have at least a bachelor's degree and some working experience.

Who buys fixed income? ›

Investors can purchase U.S. government fixed-income instruments through TreasuryDirect or on the secondary market through a broker. Corporate bonds or bond funds can be purchased through a financial broker. Certificates of Deposit are purchased through financial brokers or banks.

How do fixed income investors make money? ›

In return for buying the bonds, the investor – or bondholder– receives periodic interest payments known as coupons. The coupon payments, which may be made quarterly, twice yearly or annually, are expected to provide regular, predictable income to the investor..

Is fixed income always debt? ›

Fixed income investments are debt instruments, such as bonds, notes, and money market instruments, and some fixed income investments, such as certificates of deposit, may not be securities at all.

Why do people invest in fixed deposits? ›

Reasons for investing in Fixed Deposits

It is risk-free and guarantees fixed returns. Fixed deposit interest rates are higher than other risk-free investment instruments like Treasury Bills or Government Bonds. Fixed deposits provide complete flexibility with regard to the tenure of investment.

Why do you want to join fixed-income? ›

It might be you prefer working alongside traders rather than working in the pressurized role trading is. Fixed Income presents many opportunities to do so. Fixed income sales suit outgoing, social people who like developing client relationships and discussing financial markets with clients.

What is the best investment for fixed-income? ›

Best fixed-income investment vehicles
  • Bond funds. ...
  • Municipal bonds. ...
  • High-yield bonds. ...
  • Money market fund. ...
  • Preferred stock. ...
  • Corporate bonds. ...
  • Certificates of deposit. ...
  • Treasury securities.
Mar 31, 2024

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