Bonds Q&A: We Answer Your Questions

by the Schwab Center for Financial Research
Updated June 22, 2009

Answers to client questions about municipal bonds, corporate bonds, government bonds, bond mutual funds and bond ratings.

FAQ: California State Muni Bonds

by Rob Williams, Director of Income Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research 
June 19, 2009

For buy-and-hold investors, state-issued bonds are usually one of the safer investments available. Considering California’s financial problems, what’s the story with California muni bonds now? 
    

TIPs for Inflation Protection Today

by Rob Williams, Director of Income Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
June 19, 2009

If you’re worried about inflation, some bond-related investments can provide inflation protection today. 
    

Debt-for-Equity Bond Exchanges: How Might They Affect You?

by Rob Williams, Director of Income Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
Updated June 15, 2009

If you're a bond investor, should you be concerned that your bond investments might not be guaranteed after all? 
   

GMAC Bonds and the Problems with GM

by Rob Williams, Director of Income Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
Updated June 2, 2009

Following GM's bankruptcy announcement, what are the implications for GMAC bondholders? 
    

Generate Income While Managing Risk Wisely

by Rob Williams, Director of Income Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
April 23, 2009

What to think about if you're looking for yield-providing alternatives to stocks.
  

What to Do if Your Bonds Turn to "Junk"

by Rob Williams, Director of Income Planning, the Schwab Center for Financial Research
Updated April 15, 2009

Issues and scenarios to consider if you hold individual corporate bonds that have been downgraded to “junk” status.
 

What's the Story With Munis?

by Rob Williams, Director of Income Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
April 14, 2009
 
It may still be a good time to consider municipal bonds.
 

Does Government Intervention Help or Hurt Bank Bonds?

by Rob Williams, Director of Income Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
March 12, 2009

If you own bonds issued by the larger banks, you may be concerned about reports of increased government involvement and the possibility of nationalization. Learn more.
  

Preferred Stock, Nationalization and the Banking Sector: Impacts and Scenarios

by Rob Williams, Director of Income Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
February 27, 2009

Many preferred stocks have been impacted by the recent market crisis, as well as discussions about nationalization—even partial—of global banks. Learn more.
  

MBIA Spins Off Muni Business: Any Impact for Bond Investors?

by Robert N. Williams, Director of Income Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
February 24, 2009

Bond insurer MBIA recently announced it would spin off its $537 billion muni business into a new subsidiary. What might the impact be on municipal bond investors?
    

What Are the Risks and Rewards of Closed-End Bond Funds?

by Robert N. Williams, Director of Income Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
February 11, 2009

Recent turmoil has beaten down prices and created some risks (but also possible opportunities) for investors seeking to boost their fixed income portfolios.
    

Wall Street Loses, Budget Gaps Expand: Are New York Bonds Secure?

by the Schwab Center for Financial Research
December 10, 2008

Considering New York's budget deficits, declining tax revenues and Wall Street layoffs, what are the risks and benefits to the normally safe state-issued bonds?
   

Bond Funds for the Long Term

by James D. Peterson, Ph.D., Vice President, Investment Manager Research, Schwab Center for Financial Research and Justin Holt, CFA, Senior Research Analyst, Schwab Center for Financial Research
Updated October 28, 2008

Here are three funds that have emerged unscathed so far and seem well positioned for the future.
 

Municipal Bond Funds Take the Spotlight

by Justin Holt, CFA, Senior Research Analyst, Schwab Center for Financial Research
Updated October 27, 2008
 
With yields near all-time highs, even tax-insensitive investors may benefit.
 

Bonds or Bond Funds?

by James D. Peterson, Ph.D., Vice President, Investment Manager Research, Schwab Center for Financial Research
September 28, 2007 
 
It's a critical choice. Find out which approach is right for you.
 

Climb a Ladder

by the Schwab Center for Financial Research
July 30, 2007 
 
Use this smart bond-buying strategy to reduce the risk of fluctuating interest rates.
 

Municipal Bonds: When "Tax-Free" Isn’t So Free

by Rande Spiegelman, CPA, CFP®, Vice President of Financial Planning, Schwab Center for Investment Research®
January 11, 2006
 
Municipal bonds have long been an attractive investment option for tax-sensitive investors. But sometimes, munis may not be so "tax free" after all.