A good aim normally is an average maturity in your bond portfolios of five to seven years. These days, you might accept the lower yield that comes with a bond portfolio with an average maturity of three to five years. Accessed Oct. 1, 2020. The first is to hold those bonds until their maturity date and collect interest payments on them. While stocks can experience huge volatility in a brief period—such as the crash of 2001-2002 or the financial crisis of 2008-2009—a diversified bond portfolio is much less likely to suffer large losses short-term. Bonds are, therefore, a popular option for those who need to live off of their investment income. Key Takeaways. You know things are tough in the bond market when some of the most successful fixed-income managers are recommending that investors own more stocks, as … "Treasury Securities." He specializes in financial planning, investing, and retirement. Don’t pay too much attention to the yield curve Get your start in bond investing by learning these basic bond market terms. Also, the income from U.S. Treasuries is tax-free on the state and local levels. While tax reasons shouldn't be the foremost reason to choose an investment, especially for investors in lower tax brackets, the fixed income universe offers a number of vehicles investors can use to minimize their tax burden. As a result, investors often increase their allocation to fixed income, and decrease their allocation to equities, as they move closer to their goals. Roger Wohlner is a financial advisor and writer with 20 years of experience in the industry. More important, bonds can help reduce volatility—and preserve capital—for equity investors during the times when the stock market is falling. Most importantly, a diversified bond portfolio can provide decent yields with a lower level of volatility than equities, and with a higher income than money market funds or bank instruments. The Balance does not provide tax, investment, or financial services and advice. "Municipal Bonds." The bond market is a safe harbor when the stock market starts going pear shaped, or just feels a bit wobbly. Over time, greater diversification can provide investors with better risk-adjusted returns (in other words, the amount of return relative to the amount of risk) than portfolios with a narrower focus. They come in all shapes and sizes from Treasury to junk, and are often a very strong option for someone looking to diversify their portfolio with a bit of stability. Certain types of bonds can also be useful for those who need to reduce their tax burdens. Even at times when prevailing rates are low, there are still plenty of options (such as high-yield bonds or emerging market debt) that investors can use to construct a portfolio that will meet their income needs. U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. An Introduction to Investing in the Bond Market. Bonds Preserve Principal Fixed income investments are very useful for people nearing the point where they will need to use the cash they have invested – for instance, an investor within five years of retirement or a parent whose child is starting college. How to Invest. Bonds are as important to an investment portfolio today as ever. While many investments provide some form of income, bonds tend to offer the highest and most reliable cash streams. Investing involves risk including the possible loss of principal. The information is being presented without consideration of the investment objectives, risk tolerance or financial circumstances of any specific investor and might not be suitable for all investors. More important, bonds can help reduce volatility—and preserve capital—for equity investors during the times when the stock market is falling. How to Invest in Bonds and Bond Funds in a Bear Market, Stocks and Bonds Play Different Roles in Your Portfolio. Share. Almost every investor has heard the phrase “don’t put your eggs in one basket.” It may be a cliché, but it's time-tested wisdom nonetheless. AGG is the easiest way to buy a basket of the bond … Let’s start with the iShares Core US Aggregate Bond ETF (AGG), the bellwether ETF of fixed income. Bonds don’t make for interesting conversation at dinner parties, and they don’t receive proportionate coverage in the financial press relative to stocks. U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Thomas Kenny wrote about bonds for The Balance. For years, investors were told that stocks were the best vehicle for long-term savings, and that sentiment persists today even in the wake of two stock market crashes thus far in the 21st century. Fixed income investments are very useful for people nearing the point where they will need to use the cash they have invested – for instance, an investor within five years of retirement or a parent whose child is starting college. But those who downplay the role of bonds may be missing out on significant opportunities. His articles have been published in The National Law Review, Mix Magazine, and other publications. While the income on bank instruments, most money market funds, and equities are taxable unless held in a tax-deferred account, the interest on municipal bonds is tax-free on the federal level and, for investors who own a municipal bond issued by the state in which they reside, on the state level as well.. Should You Buy a Fixed Income Investment? Some of the characteristics of bonds include their maturity, their coupon rate, their tax … There are two ways to make money by investing in bonds. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Still, bonds can serve a wide range of uses for investors of all stripes. Here Are Tips for How Investing in Bonds Works for Beginners, Benefits of Investing in Municipal Bonds for Income, Learn the Pros and Cons of Short-Term Bond vs. Money Market Funds, New Investor's Guide to Dividend-Paying Stocks, These Are the 5 Types of Bond Mutual Funds to Know. Rarely blink when the market tanks. Accessed Oct. 1, 2020.