Investing Topics: Fixed Income

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.

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.

Third-Quarter Earnings Season Cometh

By Roger S. Conrad on Oct. 23, 2014

A selloff in the energy sector overshadowed the start of earnings season. Here’s our take on this weakness and the first batch of quarterly results.

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.

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.

Bonds: What to Do in a Seller’s Market

By Roger S. Conrad on Aug. 16, 2014

The seller's market for bonds favors dividend-paying equities, but investors need to remain disciplined and avoid overpaying for quality.

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.

Navigating the Municipal-Bond Minefield

By Roger S. Conrad on Dec. 18, 2013

Welcome to the year of living dangerously in the municipal bond market. Detroit's bankruptcy filing serves as a reminder that investors can no longer assume the riskiest borrowers eventually will be bailed out if they can’t keep up with their debt.

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.