{"id":230494,"date":"2021-05-14T19:45:27","date_gmt":"2021-05-14T19:45:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aptuscapitaladvisors.com\/?p=230494"},"modified":"2023-04-17T15:08:27","modified_gmt":"2023-04-17T15:08:27","slug":"its-hard-out-here-for-a-bond-investor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aptuscapitaladvisors.com\/its-hard-out-here-for-a-bond-investor\/","title":{"rendered":"It&#8217;s Hard Out Here for a Bond Investor"},"content":{"rendered":"<h5 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>The Q1 Scorecard<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-230495 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/aptuscapitaladvisors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Picture1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"539\" height=\"96\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aptuscapitaladvisors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Picture1.png 539w, https:\/\/aptuscapitaladvisors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Picture1-480x85.png 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 539px, 100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Source: Bloomberg (As of 3\/31\/21) TLT = iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF ($12bn AUM); AGG = \u00a0iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF ($87bn AUM); LQD = iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF ($41bn AUM). All AUMs are as of 5\/12\/21.<\/p>\n<p>While overall asset allocation portfolios performed well in the first quarter of 2021, it was the worst quarter to own bonds in over 40 years \u2013 the perceived \u201csafe\u201d portion of an investor\u2019s portfolios, fixed income, showed quarterly losses for the first time since the 2013 taper tantrum. Though, April did provide some relief to the upward pressure on interest rates as the Q1 spike was likely overdone. Since 1982 we\u2019ve witnessed the best period ever for the return-risk trade-off of 60:40, as both stocks and bonds delivered strong returns and diversified each other.<\/p>\n<p>Moving forward, we believe that it is imperative investors adapt their investment philosophy, as the historical benefits from including bonds in a portfolio may disappear. We believe that the tailwind of a bond bull market, benefitting portfolios over the last 30+ years looks to be turning the other way. Are your clients prepared?<\/p>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Corporations are Borrowing at Record Levels<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-230496 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/aptuscapitaladvisors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Picture2.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"506\" height=\"292\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aptuscapitaladvisors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Picture2.png 506w, https:\/\/aptuscapitaladvisors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Picture2-480x277.png 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 506px, 100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Source: Bloomberg. As of April 30, 2021.<\/p>\n<p>Lately, companies like JPM, GS, BAC, AAPL and AMZN have been raising capital hand over fist. Why are these companies raising capital? Because borrowing costs are too tempting to resist, as companies believe that there are projects to pursue that carry higher returns on capital than the cost of this cheap debt or that inflation will effectively make it cheaper to repay in the future. As corporations are borrowing lights out, will the lenders (bondholders) be stuck holding the bag?<\/p>\n<p>A perfect example of the borrowing frenzy is the announcement of the year\u2019s second largest debt sale where <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bloomberg.com\/news\/articles\/2021-05-10\/amazon-tees-up-jumbo-eight-part-debt-sale-its-first-in-a-year\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Amazon intends to raise $18.5bn<\/a> with $7bn of the deal 20-year maturity or longer. As an aside, Amazon currently has about $75bn cash on hand.<\/p>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Fixed Income \u2013 The Problem Child of Portfolio Construction<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>As advisors are scrambling to ditch bonds and seek alternative solutions for their clients\u2019 portfolios, we felt we\u2019d continue to fuel the fire by showcasing more reasons as to why we believe fixed income is likely to be a drag on portfolios moving into the future.<\/p>\n<p>We\u2019d like to layout four potential headwinds for Fixed Income investments \u2013 (1) Longevity Risk and (2) Drawdown Risk<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Bonds Simply Lack Future Return Potential<\/li>\n<li>Bonds Face Potential Purchasing Power Loss as they Lack Inflation Protection<\/li>\n<li>Durations are longer and Credit Spreads are lower, Magnifying Downside<\/li>\n<li>We expect the Long-Term Correlation Benefit Between Bonds and Stocks to break down as rates are Historically Low<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Longevity Risk #1 &#8211; We Believe that Bonds Lack Future Return Potential<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-230497 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/aptuscapitaladvisors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Picture3.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"496\" height=\"282\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aptuscapitaladvisors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Picture3.png 496w, https:\/\/aptuscapitaladvisors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Picture3-480x273.png 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 496px, 100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Source: JP Morgan. As of 4\/30\/2021.<\/p>\n<p>When you dissect how bonds can generate returns moving forward, the inputs are as slim as ever. \u00a0Bonds can generate returns predominately in three ways:<\/p>\n<p>Coupon (interest income) +\/- Yield Curve (Change in Interest Rates\/ Shape of Yield Curve) +\/- Credit Spreads<\/p>\n<p>Typically, bonds provide the highest returns when interest rates drop with a max gain at the theoretical floor of interest rates at 0%. Remember, bonds and interest rates have an inverse relationship, i.e., when rates drop, bond prices rise, and vice versa. Right now, if rates dropped to 0%, bonds prices, as measured by the Barclays Aggregate, would return the least amount ever.<\/p>\n<p>Simply said, your upside in bonds is the lowest it&#8217;s ever been.<\/p>\n<p>With less income to reinvest back as rates rise on top of credit spreads near\/at historic tights, we believe the typical cushion of interest income will be less effective in mitigating losses, magnifying drawdowns. This is an asymmetry that we believe is not fully recognized by most advisors.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-230498 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/aptuscapitaladvisors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Picture4.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"554\" height=\"332\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aptuscapitaladvisors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Picture4.png 554w, https:\/\/aptuscapitaladvisors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Picture4-480x288.png 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 554px, 100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Source: Strategas. As of 5\/07\/21.<\/p>\n<p>Another way to measure valuations in the fixed income world is take the bond price ($100) and divide it by the 10-Year Treasury Yield to get a \u201cP\/E\u201d multiple. The graphic above shows how expensive bonds are compared to history. Keep in mind those bond earnings come with zero potential for growth\u2026 and you thought tech was expensive! \u00a0We view stashing 30-40% of a portfolio into an asset class with such little upside very well could lead to client\u2019s missing necessary returns to meet retirement spending requirements.<\/p>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Longevity Risk #2 &#8211; <\/strong><strong>Bonds Likely to Underperform during Inflation<\/strong><strong>ary Period<\/strong><strong>s<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>That leads us to our next point &#8211; in a potentially inflationary environment, historically, fixed income with extended duration has been the worst asset class to own. During inflationary periods, assets relying on returns in the distant future will be hit the most by rising rates (fears of inflation). These fixed return streams are unable to adjust for the inflation pressures.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-230499 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/aptuscapitaladvisors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Picture5.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"574\" height=\"402\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aptuscapitaladvisors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Picture5.png 574w, https:\/\/aptuscapitaladvisors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Picture5-480x336.png 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 574px, 100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Source: Financial Times. As of 5\/11\/21<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-230500 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/aptuscapitaladvisors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Picture6.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"476\" height=\"320\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aptuscapitaladvisors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Picture6.png 476w, https:\/\/aptuscapitaladvisors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Picture6-300x202.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 476px) 100vw, 476px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Source: Charlie Bilello. As of 5\/11\/21<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-230501 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/aptuscapitaladvisors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Picture7.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"234\" height=\"252\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Source: Bank of America. . As of 4\/30\/2021<\/p>\n<p>While we haven\u2019t seen what we consider meaningful inflation in years, we did witness some during the 1970s-decade. Inflation averaged a 7% CAGR throughout the decade, doubling the price of goods over a 10-year period. Fast forward to today, the Fed has stated its mandate is for full employment while being okay with some type of \u201ctransitory\u201d inflation, i.e., allowing it to run hot in the near term. Though, the market might be saying something different as the 10- Year Breakeven yields are expecting the highest level of inflation since the Great Financial Crisis. While inflation didn\u2019t pan out following the GFC due to numerous reasons, we believe this time COULD be different as substantially more COVID assistance went to Main Street versus Wall Street. While TIPS have historically been a suitable alternative to nominal bonds during inflationary periods, <a href=\"https:\/\/aptuscapitaladvisors.com\/inflation-protection-are-tips-the-answer\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">we believe they will be less effective this time<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>If you don\u2019t read the full blog post, here\u2019s the summary: 10-year TIPS are paying 0.9% below inflation. Inflation will have to rise by at least that much over the decade just to maintain its purchasing power. If inflation fears pick up, TIPS prices might rise but for investors who hold them to maturity they cap their return at inflation, minus 0.9%. Bottom line is that the loss of purchasing power by holding fixed income earning negative real returns has the potential to create long term return issues for household wealth.<\/p>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Drawdown Risk #1 &#8211; Are Bonds Priced to Perfection, Given Longer Durations and Tighter Credit Spreads?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-230502 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/aptuscapitaladvisors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Picture8.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"411\" height=\"232\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aptuscapitaladvisors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Picture8.png 411w, https:\/\/aptuscapitaladvisors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Picture8-300x169.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 411px) 100vw, 411px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Source: JP Morgan Asset Management. As of 04\/30\/2021<\/p>\n<p>With yields trending lower the past 30 years, corporations have been able to extend the length of their debt without drastically increasing the cost to service the debt. This has caused the duration of the investment grade credit index to nearly double. As durations appear extended, the interest rate risk has also nearly doubled. This increases the loss potential in a rising rate environment.<\/p>\n<p>For example, the 30-year Treasury yield hit ~1% at the height of the panic last March and has moved up 135bps to ~2.35% today, but that relatively small rise in rates led to a 20% drop in price, because of the duration.<\/p>\n<p>Interest rate risk is real!<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-230503 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/aptuscapitaladvisors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Picture9.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"326\" height=\"233\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aptuscapitaladvisors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Picture9.png 326w, https:\/\/aptuscapitaladvisors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Picture9-300x214.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 326px) 100vw, 326px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Source: JP Morgan Asset Management. As of 4\/30\/21<\/p>\n<p>On top of durations extending longer across the investment grade universe, we believe the quality of debt has gotten worst. Over 51% of the investment grade corporate debt outstanding is Baa or lower. This is a new record!<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-230504 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/aptuscapitaladvisors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Picture10.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"436\" height=\"250\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aptuscapitaladvisors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Picture10.png 436w, https:\/\/aptuscapitaladvisors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Picture10-300x172.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 436px) 100vw, 436px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Source: Bloomberg. Date as of 4\/27\/21<\/p>\n<p>It wouldn\u2019t be a good bond note without pointing out that the riskiest of debt has been the best performer in 2021. High-Yielding Bonds, as measured by the The Barclays Caa US High Yield index, hit its lowest spread (credit compensation for risk) since 2007. \u00a0Historically when that spread has hit ~5% or tighter it has been a bearish signal as it has been followed by spread widening as the pricing is just too generous considering the quality of borrower.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-230505 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/aptuscapitaladvisors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Picture11.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"540\" height=\"76\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aptuscapitaladvisors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Picture11.png 540w, https:\/\/aptuscapitaladvisors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Picture11-480x68.png 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 540px, 100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Source: Bloomberg. HYG= iShares iBoxx High Yield Corporate Bond ETF. $21bn AUM. SPY= SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF. $358bn AUM. All AUM as of 5\/12\/21<\/p>\n<p>We got a taste of the dangers of high yield during COVID where HYG (iShares iBoxx High Yield Corporate ETF) felt 65% of the SPY downside. From our analysis, the hidden equity-like risk embedded in High Yield exposes clients to not only substantial market downside but also requires a strong economy, doubling down exposures across both equity and fixed income holdings in portfolios.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-230506 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/aptuscapitaladvisors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Picture12.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"530\" height=\"82\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aptuscapitaladvisors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Picture12.png 530w, https:\/\/aptuscapitaladvisors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Picture12-480x74.png 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 530px, 100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Source: Bloomberg. HYG= iShares iBoxx High Yield Corporate Bond ETF. $21bn AUM. SPY= SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF. $358bn AUM. All AUM as of 5\/12\/21.<\/p>\n<p>On the contrary, since the COVID lows on 3\/23\/2021, HYG only captured 38% of the upside of the SPY\u2026 the asymmetry just isn\u2019t there, in our opinion, you might as well just own stocks!<\/p>\n<p>Again, as investors find themselves owning a portfolio of longer duration bonds, as well as less compensation for risk throughout the credit market, we think there is real potential to see their fixed income portfolios significantly decline in value in either a rising rate environment or a repricing of credit risk. This can happen in either a recessionary or stagflationary environment, exacerbating drawdowns!<\/p>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Drawdown Risk Risk #2 &#8211; The Perfect Hedge\u2026 Gone Wrong<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-230509 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/aptuscapitaladvisors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Picturelast.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"648\" height=\"66\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aptuscapitaladvisors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Picturelast.png 648w, https:\/\/aptuscapitaladvisors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Picturelast-480x49.png 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 648px, 100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Source: Bloomberg. PTTAX = Pimco Total Return Bond Fund. $67 Billion AUM. SPY= SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF. $358bn AUM. All AUM as of 5\/12\/21.<\/p>\n<p>We believe High-Quality bonds have served as a near perfect hedge against stocks over the last 30 years. When stocks dipped, bonds rallied to offset losses and as stocks ripped up, we viewed bonds losses as minimal given their high interest payments and general decline in interest rates. From our perspective, typical Stock\/Bond allocation strategies (Modern Portfolio Theory) <strong>have <\/strong>worked like a charm. Both assets have provided what we deem as attractive upside while downside has been tolerable, as bonds have acted as a synthetic market put (insurance) during market drawdowns while spitting off an attractive yield. That game changes when interest rates are near zero and the correlation benefits historically accompanying stocks and bonds breaks down.<\/p>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Stock-Bond Correlation Most Negative Since November 2016<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-230507 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/aptuscapitaladvisors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Picture13.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"499\" height=\"287\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aptuscapitaladvisors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Picture13.png 499w, https:\/\/aptuscapitaladvisors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Picture13-480x276.png 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 499px, 100vw\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Source: Strategas. As of 5\/10\/21.<\/p>\n<p>The rolling 65-day correlation between the daily change in the S&amp;P 500 and the U.S. 10-Year Treasury yield has fallen to -0.27, a correlation that has not been seen since November of 2016. This makes hedging stocks with bonds more difficult as bonds are losing principal and stock prices are falling.<\/p>\n<p>If both sides of your portfolio (bonds and stocks) lose money at the same time because correlations breakdown unexpectedly, it opens the pathway to losses higher than client\u2019s risk tolerances can stomach. Loss aversion bias states that clients can stomach the upside substantially more than a like-minded move to the downside. This type of asymmetry can lead to clients making brash, emotional decisions.<\/p>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Looking Ahead<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>With money as easy as we\u2019ve seen over the past 20 years following the Fed\/ Government\u2019s policy response to COVID-19, we believe we will see more pressure on long term rates to trend upward as the potential for higher inflation to lingers as the economy gets back on its feet.<\/p>\n<p><strong> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-230508 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/aptuscapitaladvisors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Picture14.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"534\" height=\"366\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aptuscapitaladvisors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Picture14.png 534w, https:\/\/aptuscapitaladvisors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Picture14-480x329.png 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 534px, 100vw\" \/><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Source: Strategas. As of 5\/10\/2021<\/p>\n<p>The Strategas Monetary Tightness Measure shows just how ample liquidity current is. While the non-farm payrolls, i.e., the jobs report, last Friday (5\/7\/21) probably leads to a continuation of loose policy, if there is one caution, it\u2019s the following: the last time the Strategas index was indicating conditions almost this easy was December of 2012, when 10-year yields sat at 1.60%. Within 1 month, 10s had moved to 2%, and within 9 months 10s had moved to 3%.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-230510 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/aptuscapitaladvisors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Picturelast1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"434\" height=\"241\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aptuscapitaladvisors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Picturelast1.png 434w, https:\/\/aptuscapitaladvisors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Picturelast1-300x167.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 434px) 100vw, 434px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Source: Charlie Bilello. As of 5\/11\/21.<\/p>\n<p>As we view rates likely rise into the future, it is important to remember that after accounting for inflation bond investors are currently receiving a -1.91% real yield on 5-Year Treasuries, the lowest compensation ever. On top of that credit is priced near perfection.<\/p>\n<p>When capital is in oversupply, investors compete for deals by accepting low returns and a slender margin of error. It reminds us of Howard Marks series, \u201cLessons From a Crisis\u201d:<\/p>\n<p><em>\u201cWhen people want to buy something, their competition takes the form of an auction in which they bid higher and higher. When you think about it, bidding more for something is the same as saying you\u2019ll take less for your money. Thus, the bids for investments can be viewed as a statement of how little return investors demand and how much risk they\u2019re willing to accept.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<p>This brings us to our closing points, <strong>why would investors hold fixed income in their portfolios that simply can\u2019t do what they are intended to do: provide income and buffer equity losses during market drawdowns.<\/strong> While fixed income has been a juggernaut in client portfolios over the last 30+ years, we believe assuming status quo sets up for destruction moving forward.<\/p>\n<p>*https:\/\/novelinvestor.com\/howard-marks-lessons-crisis\/<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Disclosures<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>This page contains information and links to third party sites not affiliated with Aptus Capital Advisors (\u201cACA\u201d). Past performance is not indicative of future results. This material is not financial advice or an offer to sell any product. The information contained herein should not be considered a recommendation to purchase or sell any particular security. Forward looking statements cannot be guaranteed.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>This commentary offers generalized research, not personalized investment advice. It is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a complete description of our investment services or performance. Nothing in this commentary should be interpreted to state or imply that past results are an indication of future investment returns. All investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to consult with an investment &amp; tax professional before implementing any investment strategy. Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Advisory services offered through Aptus Capital Advisors, LLC, a Registered Investment Adviser registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply a certain level or skill or training. More information about the advisor, its investment strategies and objectives, is included in the firm\u2019s Form ADV Part 2, which can be obtained, at no charge, by calling (251) 517-7198. Aptus Capital Advisors, LLC is headquartered in Fairhope, Alabama. ACA-2105-8.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Q1 Scorecard Source: Bloomberg (As of 3\/31\/21) TLT = iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF ($12bn AUM); AGG = \u00a0iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF ($87bn AUM); LQD = iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF ($41bn AUM). All AUMs are as of 5\/12\/21. While overall asset allocation portfolios performed well in the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","content-type":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[20],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-230494","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-blog"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v21.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>It&#039;s Hard Out Here for a Bond Investor - Aptus Capital Advisors<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/aptuscapitaladvisors.com\/its-hard-out-here-for-a-bond-investor\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"It&#039;s Hard Out Here for a Bond Investor - Aptus Capital Advisors\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The Q1 Scorecard Source: Bloomberg (As of 3\/31\/21) TLT = iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF ($12bn AUM); AGG = \u00a0iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF ($87bn AUM); LQD = iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF ($41bn AUM). All AUMs are as of 5\/12\/21. 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