What's the Deal With Bonds Right Now?
Here are four strategies investors can consider to adjust to the drop in bond prices resulting from the steep rise in interest rates.
In today's volatile market, investors are facing unusual challenges, particularly when it comes to bond investments. While stock markets have experienced ups and downs, bond returns have been disappointing, leading many investors to question the role of bonds in their portfolios.
To understand the current state of bonds, it's essential to grasp the fundamentals. Bonds are debt instruments issued by governments and companies to raise capital for various purposes. Investors essentially lend money to the issuer in exchange for regular interest payments and the return of the principal amount upon maturity.
Bonds are considered more conservative investments than stocks, offering stability and income generation. However, they are not without risk, as bond issuers may default on their payments.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Due to the complexities of buying individual bonds, individual investors often access bond exposure through mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Fund managers conduct thorough research on bond issuers and diversify investments across multiple bonds to mitigate risk.
Adjusting to current market conditions
Including bond funds in portfolios serves several purposes, such as reducing volatility, generating income and diversifying investments. However, the recent steep rise in interest rates has led to a significant decline in bond prices. As interest rates increase, bond prices fall, making them less attractive to investors. This phenomenon has created a challenging environment for bond investments.
While the goals related to bond allocations remain the same, appropriate adjustments should be considered to adapt to the current market conditions. Here are some strategies that can be employed:
1. Reducing bond duration
Duration refers to the time between now and a bond's maturity date. Shorter-duration bonds tend to have lower price volatility compared to longer-duration bonds. Portfolio volatility can be reduced by shifting bond funds from medium to short duration. Money market funds have the shortest duration and are typically used for this purpose.
2. Buying individual bonds
While buying bond funds is common, individual bonds can provide more control and customization. However, individual bond ownership requires expertise in bond research and management. Financial advisers can offer access to individual bonds and fund managers who can handle the research and management aspects.
3. Considering dividend-paying stocks
For investors seeking income, one option is replacing a portion of the fixed income allocation with dividend-paying stocks. Dividend payments from stocks can provide a source of regular income, complementing the income generated by bonds.
4. Looking at alternative asset classes
Alternative asset classes, such as commodities or real estate, can diversify portfolios. These asset classes may offer unique opportunities for growth and income, contributing to a well-rounded investment strategy.
A long-term perspective is important
Despite the recent challenges faced by bond investors, it's important to maintain a long-term perspective. When bond prices are discounted, investors can benefit from higher returns when the bonds mature. Rebalancing portfolios during market downturns allows for purchasing bonds at lower prices.
Bond allocations are common in most client portfolios, and a financial adviser can help recommend and implement the above adjustments if prudent and appropriate for your particular situation. For individuals with losses in taxable accounts, tax-loss harvesting before the end of the year may also be considered a strategy.
Understanding the dynamics of bonds and their role in diversified portfolios is crucial for investors navigating today's market challenges. While bond returns have been disappointing recently, bonds still offer stability, income generation and diversification benefits.
By adjusting strategies and considering alternative approaches, investors can adapt to current market conditions and continue working toward their long-term financial goals. It is essential to consult with a trusted financial adviser to develop a personalized plan that aligns with individual circumstances and priorities.
This article is educational and not investment advice. Please contact your financial advisor to discuss your individual situation.
Sara Stanich, MBA, CFP®, CDFA™, CEPA is the founder of Cultivating Wealth, an independent, women-owned financial planning firm serving families and individuals nationwide. Residing at the intersection of life and finances, Cultivating Wealth offers fee-only financial planning services for people who want to take power over their wealth. To learn more, visit cultivatingwealth.com.
related content
- Is It Time for Retirees to Break Up With Bonds?
- 10 Things You Should Know About Bonds
- I-Bonds: Pros and Cons of Investing
- Best Bond ETFs to Buy Now
- How to Buy Treasury Bonds
-
Dow Adds 292 Points as Goldman, Nvidia Soar: Stock Market TodayTaiwan Semiconductor's strong earnings sparked a rally in tech stocks on Thursday, while Goldman Sachs' earnings boosted financials.
-
Why Public Markets Don't Look Like They Used To -
Turning 65 in 2026? Here Is Exactly How to Sign Up for MedicareWhether you’re months away from your 65th birthday or plan to work past retirement age, here are the steps to secure your Medicare coverage and avoid costly mistakes.
-
Is a Caregiving Strategy — for Yourself and Others — Missing From Your Retirement Plan?Millions of people over 65 care for grandkids, adult kids or aging parents and will also need care themselves. Building a caregiving strategy is crucial.
-
6 Financially Savvy Power Moves for Women in 2026 (Prepare to Be in Charge!)Don't let the day-to-day get in the way of long-term financial planning. Here's how to get organized — including a reminder to dream big about your future.
-
Private Equity Is Fundamentally Changing: What Now for Investors and Business Owners?For 40 years, private equity enjoyed extraordinary returns thanks to falling rates and abundant credit. That's changed. What should PE firms and clients do now?
-
I'm a Real Estate Expert: 2026 Marks a Seismic Shift in Tax Rules, and Investors Could Reap Millions in RewardsThree major tax strategies will align in 2026, creating unique opportunities for real estate investors to significantly grow their wealth. Here's how it works.
-
When Can Tax Planning Be an Act of Love? This Family Found OutHow can you give stock worth millions to a loved one without giving them a huge capital gains tax bill? This family's financial adviser provided the answer.
-
Forget Job Interviews: Employers Will Find the Best Person for the Job in an Escape Room (This Former CEO Explains Why)Escape rooms can give employers a better indication of job candidates' strengths than a standard interview. Here's how your company can get on board.
-
The Paradox Between Money and Wealth: How Do You Find the Balance?Wealth reflects a life organized around relationships, health, contribution and time — qualities that compound differently than money in a mutual fund.
-
Billed 12 Hours for a Few Seconds of Work: How AI Is Helping Law Firms Overcharge ClientsThe ability of AI to reduce the time required for certain legal tasks is exposing the legal profession's reliance on the billable hour.
