Investing Topics: Bonds

Fixed-Income Update

By Roger S. Conrad on Feb. 17, 2018

Attractive yields and favorable risk-reward propositions remain in short supply in the fixed-income market. Nevertheless, we continue to leverage our expertise in the utility sector and other essential-service industries to uncover opportunities for fixed-income securities.

Closed-End Values

By Roger S. Conrad on Mar. 29, 2016

In addition to common stocks, the Lifelong Income Portfolio includes preferred shares as well as mutual and closed-end funds. Here are our latest thoughts on these holdings.

Dialing for Dollars

By Roger S. Conrad on Jun. 29, 2015

Telecom’s biggest players continue to pull away from the competition, making these high-yielding stocks the only names in the sector worth owning. Meanwhile, yield moths eyeing closed-end bond funds need to understand the risks and be selective to avoid getting burned.

The Energy Sector’s Endangered Dividends

By Roger S. Conrad on Dec. 16, 2014

There are more dividend cuts to come in the energy sector, largely among highly leveraged producers that own marginal acreage. But opportunities abound for savvy investors.

Your Questions Answered

By Roger S. Conrad on Oct. 20, 2014

Here's a sampling of questions that came up during our talks at the World MoneyShow Toronto.

The Great Gross Out and Closed-End Bond Funds

By Roger S. Conrad on Oct. 8, 2014

Bill Gross' departure from Pacific Investment Management Company has garnered all the headlines. But challenging conditions in the bond market are a bigger cause for concern.

Closed-End Bond Funds: Value among the Ruins

By Roger S. Conrad on Oct. 8, 2014

Although high yields make closed-end bond funds popular among income-seeking investors, these securities’ elevated leverage at a time when dividends and net asset values are at risk mean that most are ticking time bombs. We highlight four names for aggressive investors.

Closed-End Bond Funds: Few Jewels amid the Junk

By Roger S. Conrad on Apr. 17, 2014

Few high-yield investments deserve greater scrutiny and skepticism than closed-end bond funds.

Closed-End Bond Funds: Proceed with Caution

By Roger S. Conrad on Mar. 31, 2014

Closed-end bond funds have pulled back over the past 12 months in anticipation of rising interest rates.

Celebrating Diversity

By Roger S. Conrad on Oct. 7, 2013

Successful income investing is a buy-and-hold game. And when you're investing for the long term, diligence and diversification are your best defense against the market's vagaries. These guiding principles are behind the latest additions to our Lifelong Income Portfolio.