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.

Should You Load Up on Bond ETFs Now?

10-year Treasury yields are back up to the 3% mark, but is now too soon for a significant portfolio shift into bond ETFs like the TLT and IEF?

Why Homebuyers Have Become Speculative Bond Traders

Owning a home can turn into the American Nightmare, particularly if you believe bond yields will continue to fall into the future. Here's the real problem..

4 Weird Bond ETF Picks for Yield Amid Rising Interest Rates

Bond investors shouldn't worry about rising interest rates if they look beyond traditional ETFs for their exposure. Here are four solid bond ETF picks.

5 Ways to Survive the 2014 Bond Market Meltdown

Mr. Bond Market is changing, and investors who don't want to get caught in a downdraft need to know these 5 ways to survive what could be a deep price slide

The Economy Is Picking Up Speed as the Calendar Turns

We're in the process of ringing in the New Year, and here is my view on the economy, and stock and bond markets. Want a hint? It's all looking pretty good!

The Best Emerging Market Bond ETF You’ve Never Heard Of

The new EMAG ETF is a better way to tap emerging market bonds than its chief rivals. Here's a look at what makes it such a great holding.

Why Dividend Stocks Could Bounce Off the Mat in 2014

Higher-yielding dividend stocks lagged in 2013, but income plays could revive in the year ahead now that the Fed has finally started tapering.

5 REIT ETFs to Buy Now for Big Income

For investors, REIT ETFs like VNQ and ICF represent some of today's biggest buys. Here are the 5 best REIT ETFs to buy now.

The Great Rotation Out of Bonds

The economy will eventually begin to show steady growth and bonds will go back to historical yield levels. I believe the process has already started.

Bonds Look Steady…At Least for Now

Despite some of the gloom and doom, economic indicators suggest the bond market is still in very good shape, at least for now.

5 Investment Bubbles That Are About to Pop

If you’re worried things might be overbought or you’re simply looking to avoid risky areas, steer clear of these five bubble investments.

7 Tips to Get the Most From Your 401(k)

Paying a little extra attention to your 401(k) nest egg now can make a huge difference by the time you retire.

4 Reasons Why It’s Safe to Buy Bonds Again

With concerns about tapering and the debt ceiling now in the rear-view mirror, there's little standing in the way of the bond market.

5 Signs That Investors Just Can’t Get Enough Risk

Investors have displayed an insatiable appetite for higher-risk assets in recent weeks. What does this mean for the market as a whole?

4 Must-Watch Trends In Fixed-Income Funds

With bonds reaching some semblance of order, we analyze four areas of income to see which areas of the market are offering the best value right now.

Trade of the Day: iShares High-Yield Bond ETF (HYG)

Many traders don't really understand bonds. But a bearish opportunity in the iShares High Yield Bond ETF (HYG) is emerging, and is worth the explanation.

iShares’ Response to Money Market Fund Reform Is NEAR

To get out in front of possible money market fund reform, BlackRock (BLK) recently launched the iShares Short Maturity Bond ETF.

Hunting for Yield? Target These 3 Municipal Bond Funds

Municipal bonds have suffered a months-long investor exodus, but that might be creating some values in the municipal bond fund space.

Yes, You Can Still Make Money in Bonds

The third-quarter outperformance of high-yield bonds and other credit-sensitive bond market segments might hold a clue about what's to come.