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.

Eurobonds: A Complicated Solution

Eurobonds would help crisis and non-crisis countries alike, but Germany rightfully fears such a bailout would prevent needed reforms from ever happening.

Vanguard Turning Away High-Yield Hunters

Vanguard is closing its High-Yield Corporate bond fund to "most new investors" because of heavy cash inflows. But worry not: High-yield options abound.

Europe’s Only Recovery Option

Now's the time to create a eurobond to refinance all eurozone debt. It's the only silver bullet in the EU's arsenal. There is no Plan B.

Gold, Silver Fall as Euro Leaders Set to Meet

New measures to be planned as the EU is effectively experiencing its second recession of the past four years.

The New Cracks in Sovereign Debt

European electoral changes have dramatically altered risk sentiment in global markets.

Selling Continues in Gold and Silver

U.S. housing starts and industrial output weighed on gold and silver prices, but numerous mining stocks were heading upward.

Gold, Silver Up on Eurozone, U.S. News

Weaker U.S. retail sales and an increasingly likely Greek exit from the euro weigh in.

Gold, Silver Resume Downward Trend

Concerns grow about a global economic slowdown and a restructuring of the European Monetary Union.

8 Reasons Why Treasuries Don’t Make Sense

Despite performing relatively well due to the demand for “safe” investments, Treasuries may in fact be one of the most unsafe options that investors currently have.

8 Clever Ways to Save Your 401(k) or IRA

If you're worried about a flat or even declining market, consider these eight oddball mutual funds that look for profits beyond just stocks.

Gold, Silver Regain Some Lost Ground

U.S. retail sales growth accelerated, while Dutch, French and Spanish government bond yields declined.

Pipeline Profits Highlight Latest Batch of ETFs

Among the new funds that have just launched is one focusing on high-yield energy sector MLPs, and it has an enticingly low expense ratio.

Gold, Silver Up on Downbeat U.S. Data

A mix of news included disappointing U.S. homes sales and unemployment numbers.

Gold Weaker, Silver Higher as Nations Pledge Support for IMF

Gold prices were weaker but silver was higher Tuesday morning amid good news from Europe and Goldman Sachs. Gold and silver miners were both on the rise.

Gold, Silver Down on U.S., EU and China Data

China trade balances and eurozone unemployment worsen.

Rolling Up a Bearish Bet on Bonds

Option traders sitting with a loss on their bear call spread can try shifting the trade to higher strikes.

Gold, Silver Fall Awaiting Fed Beige Book

The first Q1 earnings report is strong, and European bonds steady.

Income, Junk in the New ETFs Trunk

Four new bond funds and a fund-of-funds income ETF are the newest additions to the exchange-traded product world.

Gold, Silver Up Amid Euro Recession Fears

In the U.S., jobless claims fell to a four-year low.