Broadly diversified bond funds lost money in 2021 and 2022. This year was looking good for a while, but unstoppable inflation has turned the tide. Unless inflation backs off, we could very well see a third straight year of declines for bond funds. As of Oct. 6, the benchmark FTSE Canada Universe Bond Index was down close to 2 per cent on a year to date basis.
Some quick thoughts on limiting the damage from bonds: Emphasize short-term bonds and bond funds, which means maturity in five year or less; supplement with guaranteed investment certificates in cases where liquidity is not an issue; and, consider high interest savings account exchange-traded funds and investment savings accounts packaged like mutual funds. Floating-rate bond funds are also worth a look if you think rates will rise further or hold steady for a while.
If you’re of a mind to buy low as bonds slump, you could add more money to the broadly diversified bond ETFs that account for the fixed income portion of so many retail investor portfolios. The weighted average yield to maturity for these funds in early October was roughly 5 per cent after fees. If rates plateau and then ease off even a little, rising bond prices will combine with interest payments to produce a nice total return.
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