The European crisis didn’t lead to a large number of defaults during 2011
The time of the great reversal is approaching. Two forces that have driven up the yields of the bonds of marginal European countries — particularly Spain, Italy and, of course, Greece — and driven down the yields of U.S. and Canadian government bonds look like they will unwind and create a new scenario for exceptional […]
Advisors should be aware that some products could introduce more risk into client portfolios
Sovereign debt uncertainties in Europe pose the biggest risk
Real estate investment trust bonds issued by property developers maintain yields in the mid-single digits that are only memories in much of the rest of the investment-grade bond market. And getting 4% or more for a mid-term bond with a sound rating when most short- to mid-term investment-grade bond yields are yielding barely half of […]
After a year of outperforming most asset classes, will long government bonds continue to deliver the goods this year?
Fixed-income portfolios don’t have to be restricted to government debt. Infrastructure issues, investment-grade corporates and municipal bonds can be effective diversifiers
Increased risk of default and historically low interest rates mean you need to keep a closer eye on your clients’ bond holdings. You also will need to find good bond fund portfolio managers or develop your skill in picking the right issues
Growth to slow significantly by the end of 2012
Dealers ceding market share in in the wake of new capital requirements