Bond yields change as markets digest news and events around the world, which also causes yield curves to move and change shape over time. What is a yield curve, and why are stock investors interested in its shape? A yield curve gives a snapshot of how yields vary across bonds of similar credit quality, but different maturities, at a specific point in time. For example, the US Treasury yield curve indicates the yields of US Treasury bonds across a range of maturities. Bond yields change as … [Read more...] about The Flat-Out Truth
When 9% CDs Roamed the Earth
By Anthony Tanner, CFA SWP Guest Contributor My first job on "the Street" was an unpaid internship at Dean Witter Reynolds during my senior year at St. Louis University. The year was 1983: The Dow had just crossed 1,200 points, the Prime Rate was 11.50%, and bank CD rates averaged 9%. Just let that sink in for a minute. 9% CDs! I remember it so well. It was my job to cold-call prospects for brokers with my script hawking 9% CDs: "Good evening, Mr. or Mrs. John Q. Public. I hope … [Read more...] about When 9% CDs Roamed the Earth
Mind the (Income) Gap
While public attention is captured by negative headlines and volatility in the equity and commodities markets, the conversation I can't seem to get away from during client meetings involves income, or more specifically: The need to generate income (from current financial assets and in retirement); and the lack of income now provided by CDs, US Treasury Bonds and high grade municipal bonds ~ traditional mainstays of retirement portfolios. These questions are coming up with increasing … [Read more...] about Mind the (Income) Gap
Opportunities Amid Dislocation
By Anthony Tanner, CFA SWP Guest Contributor We see great potential opportunities in the high-yield corporate bond sector for the following reasons: High-yield bonds provide much higher income in the short-term, and greater potential total returns long-term, derived from the more reliable stream of income rather than uncertain and volatile market appreciation/ capital gains. They've cheapened along with the equity markets, and now offers attractive high single digit return prospects. The … [Read more...] about Opportunities Amid Dislocation