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4 Ways to Invest in Bonds

If you’ve been following my posts the past few weeks – I’ve suggested it’s a good time to start increasing your exposure to bonds. As part of these missives – I’ve also had many reader emails asking me how? This missive will offer you a guide on some of the simple ways you can increase your exposure to fixed income. But let me offer a caveat… bonds are not risk free (nothing is)

Bifurcated Markets Usually End the Same Way

If you’re long the market – it was another rough week. My portfolio was no exception. My largest position (Google) was smoked – losing around 10%. The Index is now only up 7.24% for the year…. a long way from almost 20% higher in June. The next hurdle for the market comes next week – when we get payrolls. A soft print might give the market hope the Fed is almost done. However, if it comes in hot, the Fed may have no other choice but to hike again in December… given the uncomfortably high Core PCE last week.

Did Ackman Just ‘Ring the Bell’ on Bond Yields?

Over the weekend – I made the case for investing in fixed income. I think there’s a compelling longer-term opportunity for investors – where fixed income warrants exposure in your portfolio. Turns out, it may not be just me thinking this way. For example, last week I referenced Howard Marks’ latest memo. He explained how some are offering equity-like returns for investors (e.g., above 8% for non-investment grade debt). What’s more, Warren Buffett said he was increasing his exposure to bonds (at the short and long-end) a couple of months ago. Today billionaire investors Bill Ackman and Bill Gross were sounding the horn. Question: are we getting closer to a near-term peak in long-term yields?

Investors Start Weighing the Risks

Investors have hit pause on equities – evaluating a new set of risks. For example, the S&P 500 is now trading close to the same level it was at the end of January. 8 months of gains gone! The world’s largest index is up ~10% year to date… losing 2.4% this week. When you consider the S&P 500 lost ~19% last year…. it has not been a good two years. This post looks at why the outlook has deteriorated with 4 key charts: (i) 10-year yield; (ii) 10-2 yield curve; (iii) VIX; and (iv) gold – which touched $2,000 this week. What does it all mean?

For a full list of posts from 2017…