Bonds

bondsThe premise of bonds is simple: you invest your money to an entity and, after a set period of time, that money matures and can be collected for more than what you invested. Some of the more popular bonds are government bonds, which have been used in the past to fund wars, public utilities, and various federal and state projects.

The main caveat to bonds is their limited returns and the possibility of that yield barely even surpassing inflation. However, the security of bonds is priceless. Bonds are all but sure things and even if the issuer goes bankrupt, bond holders (lenders) are the first to be paid out. Bonds have their place in any portfolio, as they provide lockdown stability and even some growth.

3 Better Bond Funds Than Pimco Total Return

Some bond funds are beating the pants off Bill Gross's Pimco Total Return, which just swallowed its 13th straight month of outflows.

Why You Need to Sell Your High-Yield Bond ETF NOW

The downside potential far outweighs any remaining upside in high yield bonds. If you own high-yield bond ETFs such as HYG and JNK, now is the time to sell.

Financials Flirting With Breakdown: 7 Charts to Watch

Financial stocks are exhibiting strong fundamentals, but these seven stock charts are telling a different story about the outlook for financials.

Hold That Button Before You Buy Consumer Staples for Safety (XLP)

Consumer staples have rallied and outpaced the S&P 500 in 2014. But with valuations rich, how long can the rally in consumer staples, and XLP, continue?

What the Bond Market Rally Says About Growth – and Stocks

With the 10-year Treasury yield at 2.5%, the bond market has rallied as far as it can before investors need to begin worrying about the economic outlook.

The One Reason a Stock Market Crash Simply Won’t Happen

Everyone loves making headlines predicting the next stock market crash, but they apparently don't like being right. The Fed's near-zero rate policy ensures that the bull market can continue for at least another year.

Wall Street Says Weak Economic Growth Isn’t Just a Blip

Weak first quarter economic growth was supposed to be a weather-related blip. So why are some key indicators showing no sign a second-half recovery is in the cards?

3 Signs the Economy Is Still Hurting

If you need more reasons to worry that we can't chalk up all of the economy's softness to the winter weather ... well, here you go.

3 Trades to Kick Off the Second Quarter

Traders should focus in on short- and medium-term trends likely to continue over the next three months. Here are three of my favorite trades to kick off Q2.

It’s Time to Sell High-Yield Bonds

High-yield bonds and ETFs such as HYG and JNK, have delivered great five-year returns, but there's no longer enough return potential to offset the risks.

Trade of the Day: MBIA Inc. (MBI)

When there’s a momentary pause in the market, it’s the perfect time for short-term covered calls. Today’s pick involves a bond insurer that blew past Q4 earnings estimates by more than 10 times.

Is the Bill Gross & Mohamed El-Erian Spat a Reason to Avoid Pimco Funds?

The financial press has gobbled up news of the split between Pimco's Bill Gross and Mohamed El-Erian. Is this turmoil a reason to avoid Pimco funds?

Government Overspending is Fueling Debt Boom

Swelling sovereign debt has made our Mega Investment Theme Report every month, and the beat goes on as the stubborn trend to debt continues.

Keep the IRS Off Your Income: 3 Plays on Municipal Bonds

Municipal bonds not only are a great way to diversify your income stream, but in many cases they provide a way to get income past the tax man. Try these 3 options.

5 Best Bond Funds to Guard Your Nest Egg

Looking for capital appreciation and solid dividend streams? These are five of the best bond funds to meet that dual mandate.

The 3 Charts That Matter Most Right Now

Is this stock market downturn a buying opportunity or the start of a larger correction? These three charts might hold the key to what's next.

Experts: In the Face of Tapering, Buy Bonds

It may sound counterintuitive, but in the face of Fed tapering you should buy bonds. Here's why that's a smart move.

Closed-End Funds: 5 CEFs Yielding 5%-Plus

For investors looking for high income, often-ignored CEFs could be a great bet. Here are five high-yielding plays for your portfolio.

Why Have Bond Yields Stop Rising? A Mystery It’s Not

Investors are asking why long bond yields are below 3%, and the answer is clear: economic growth momentum has peaked for now. Here's what to do while you wait