/perspectives/portfolio-strategy/solving-the-core-fixed-income-conundrum-2023

Solving the Core Fixed-Income Conundrum

An active, diversified, multi-sector approach to meeting the total return objectives of core fixed-income management without taking on undue risk.

May 18, 2023


In the 2023 edition of The Core Conundrum, Guggenheim’s investment team discusses why investors may find better value in fixed-income sectors that are underrepresented in the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (the Agg), such as structured credit, below investment-grade corporate credit, floating-rate bonds, and municipal bonds.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Agg remains the preeminent performance benchmark for core fixed-income investors, but it is dominated by low-yielding government securities. Traditional return targets are impossible to achieve while staying close to the Agg.
  • At $26.8 trillion, the Agg represents less than half of the total U.S. fixed-income universe, leaving out over $28 trillion of non-indexed securities.
  • For example, bank loans and short-duration products have performed well in periods of rising rates, and structured credit has provided compelling returns when investment-grade corporate bond spreads were too low to offset the risk side of the equation.
  • We believe actively managed portfolios have the best potential to harvest attractive risk adjusted returns.
Important Notices and Disclosures

Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Investments in fixed-income instruments are subject to the possibility that interest rates could rise, causing their values to decline. Investors in asset-backed securities, including collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”), generally receive payments that are part interest and part return of principal. These payments may vary based on the rate loans are repaid. Some asset-backed securities may have structures that make their reaction to interest rates and other factors difficult to predict, making their prices volatile and they are subject to liquidity and valuation risk. CLOs bear similar risks to investing in loans directly, such as credit, interest rate, counterparty, prepayment, liquidity, and valuation risks. Loans are often below investment grade, may be unrated, and typically offer a fixed or floating interest rate. High yield and unrated debt securities are at a greater risk of default than investment grade bonds and may be less liquid, which may increase volatility.

This material is distributed or presented for informational or educational purposes only and should not be considered a recommendation of any particular security, strategy or investment product, or as investing advice of any kind. This material is not provided in a fiduciary capacity, may not be relied upon for or in connection with the making of investment decisions, and does not constitute a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities. The content contained herein is not intended to be and should not be construed as legal or tax advice and/or a legal opinion. Always consult a financial, tax and/or legal professional regarding your specific situation.

This material contains opinions of the author, but not necessarily those of Guggenheim Partners, LLC or its subsidiaries. The opinions contained herein are subject to change without notice. Forward looking statements, estimates, and certain information contained herein are based upon proprietary and non-proprietary research and other sources. Information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but are not assured as to accuracy. Past performance is not indicative of future results. There is neither representation nor warranty as to the current accuracy of, nor liability for, decisions based on such information.

© 2023 Guggenheim Partners, LLC. All rights reserved. Guggenheim, Guggenheim Partners and Innovative Solutions. Enduring Values. are registered trademarks of Guggenheim Capital, LLC.

Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC an affiliate of Guggenheim Partners, LLC. For more information, visit guggenheiminvestments.com or call 800.345.7999.

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FEATURED PERSPECTIVES

December 03, 2024

Changing the Correlation Assumptions in the Risk-Based Capital Calculation

Planning Begins Now for Life and Annuity Companies

November 19, 2024

Fourth Quarter 2024 Fixed-Income Sector Views

A good time for active fixed-income management.

October 10, 2024

Fed Rate Cuts Are Positive for Leveraged Credit (With a Few Caveats)

Effects of rate cuts on high yield bonds may be mixed.


VIDEOS AND PODCASTS

Are Fixed-Income Investors Being Compensated for the Risks They Are Taking? 

Are Fixed-Income Investors Being Compensated for the Risks They Are Taking?

Maria Giraldo, Investment Strategist for Guggenheim Investments, joins Asset TV’s Fixed Income Masterclass.

Macro Markets Podcast 

Macro Markets Podcast Episode 60: Post-FOMC & Post-Election Analysis and Outlook

Steve Brown, Chief Investment Officer for Fixed Income, joins Macro Markets to discuss portfolio strategy and our outlook following the U.S. election and the Fed’s most recent rate cut.







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Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal.

Guggenheim Investments represents the following affiliated investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners, LLC: Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, Guggenheim Wealth Solutions, LLC, Security Investors, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Corporate Funding, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Europe Limited, Guggenheim Partners Japan Limited, and GS GAMMA Advisors.

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This website is directed to and intended for use by citizens or residents of the United States of America only. The material provided on this website is not intended as a recommendation or as investment advice of any kind, including in connection with rollovers, transfers, and distributions. Such material is not provided in a fiduciary capacity, may not be relied upon for or in connection with the making of investment decisions, and does not constitute a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities. All content has been provided for informational or educational purposes only and is not intended to be and should not be construed as legal or tax advice and/or a legal opinion. Always consult a financial, tax and/or legal professional regarding your specific situation. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal.