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 […]
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
If you believe the powers in Europe will be guided by sensible economics, then scoop up euro-linked bonds from solid U.S. names
The problems of 2008 and 2011 are not that different. Have credit-rating agencies learned their lessons this time around?
There is concern Canadian banks won’t be immune from a global banking crash, but your clients should have no such fears
With stock markets still unsetttled, more RRSP investors may be receptive to adding bonds using low-cost funds or ETFs
The market is viewing troubled balance sheets as defaults in all but name; don’t believe the negative hype