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.

Muni Bonds’ Appeal Has Just Gotten Broader

By Daniel Putnam, InvestorPlace Contributor
Municipal bonds now offer extremely attractive after-tax yields even for those in the 25% and 28% tax brackets. How will this impact the outlook for munis?

Currencies Are Slapping Emerging-Market Bonds

By Daniel Putnam, InvestorPlace Contributor
Local-currency emerging-market bonds have been hit hard of late. What's driving the selloff, and what it will it take to get emerging currencies on track?

Has PIMCO’s Bill Gross Lost His Midas Touch?

By Tom Taulli, InvestorPlace Contributor
The "Bond King's" Total Return Fund is doing some serious bleeding in 2013, but how much of it rests on Bill Gross' shoulders?

How to Play the High-Yield Sweet Spot in Bonds

By David Fabian, FMD Capital Management
2013 has been tumultuous for bond investors, but one high-yield slice of the bond market is continuing to thrive amid the turbulent seas.

Is Mean Reversion Looming for Bonds?

By Tyler Craig, Tales of a Technician
Given how much interest rates have already rallied, it’s certainly worth pondering how much of the Fed’s taper has already been baked into the cake.

5 Reasons to Give Bonds Another Chance

By Daniel Putnam, InvestorPlace Contributor
The bond market has taken it on the chin this summer, but at this stage, bonds might offer a compelling buy for investors and traders alike.

Will Rising Bond Yields Derail the Rally in Gold?

By Daniel Putnam, InvestorPlace Contributor
Gold has weathered the spike in bond yields very well so far in August, but how long can it buck the headwind of rising real interest rates?

The Massive Repercussions of Rising Treasury Yields

By Daniel Putnam, InvestorPlace Contributor
The sharp rise in Treasury yields has led to massive disruptions in the stock market, blurring the lines between rate sensitivity and more sustainable, fundamental trends.

Bond Yields Rocket Toward 3%: Monday’s IP Market Recap

By Marc Bastow, InvestorPlace Assistant Editor
Investors pulled out of bonds and stocks en masse, pushing 10-year Treasury bond yields to 2.9% and sending the broader index to a fourth straight day of losses.

Why Dividend Stocks Are Better Than Bonds

By Dan Burrows, InvestorPlace Feature Writer
Dividend stocks offer lower volatility, better prices for higher quality, income, and the potential for growth, notes the equity income team at BlackRock.

The Best Way to Invest in Bonds During Retirement

By Daniel Putnam, InvestorPlace Contributor
Investors who are in or near retirement can minimize interest rate risk by choosing individual bonds over bond funds.

Treasury Bonds: With New Lows Come Updated Plans

By David Fabian, FMD Capital Management
Treasury bond prices have taken a big turn down, with longer term securities hit hardest. It's time to reconsider how to play in this important asset class

Starved for High Yield? Wait a Little Longer

By Daniel Putnam, InvestorPlace Contributor
Higher-yielding areas of both the bond and equity markets have rallied hard off of their June 24 low. How long can the move in high yield continue?

Don’t Overlook the Power of Dividend Growth

By Charles Sizemore, Principal of Sizemore Capital
Should investors keep looking to the stock market for income, or are bonds a better way to go? A few dividend growth calculations hold the answer.

5 Defensive Funds to Guard Your Nest Egg

By David Fabian, FMD Capital Management
If you're worried about protecting some of the monster gains you've reaped this year, don't just huddle up in cash -- consider these defensive funds that still can add value to your portfolio.

A Low-Risk Entry Beckons in Bonds

By Tyler Craig, Tales of a Technician
With TLT resting so close to resistance, a low-risk entry point has presented itself to those looking to exploit a continued slide in bonds. Here's one options trade to explore.

Discounts to NAV: How to Spot Opportunity in Bond ETFs

By Daniel Putnam, InvestorPlace Contributor
Bond ETFs have been criticized for the recent divergence between their share prices and NAVs, but for most investors, this should be a reason to celebrate.

Vanguard Muni Bond Funds: 2 Buys & 1 Hold

By Dan Wiener
The tax-free yield of municipal bonds can be a big draw for long-term investors -- but before you jump in, here's what you need to know, plus 3 recommendations.

5 Funds to Buy for Rising Interest Rates

By Michael Fabian, FMD Capital Management
If you depend on a reliable income stream from your portfolio, these funds can help you navigate the treacherous interest-rate waters for the rest of 2013.
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