Using an Index to Diversify Your Bond Portfolio

by Rob Williams
March 10, 2010

Balance your fixed income portfolio by mirroring common bond indexes.
 

Should You Worry About Bond Funds if Interest Rates Rise?

by Rob Williams
February 24, 2010

Interest rates have nowhere to go but up, and they could be climbing soon. What impact might rising rates have on bond mutual funds?
 

The Portfolio Pyramid: Adding Bonds to a Diversified Portfolio

by Rob Williams 
February 4, 2010 

Just as the food pyramid helps you build a balanced diet, the portfolio pyramid covers the essential elements of a healthy fixed income portfolio.
 

How to Use Bond Ratings Today

by Rob Williams 
January 13, 2010 

Bond-rating agencies have taken their share of flak for the 2008-2009 market collapse. Here's how investors should use bond ratings now.
 

Bonds End a Record Year, What's Next?

by Rob Williams
December 30, 2009

We believe the bond 'recovery' has run its course. We break down the key bond sectors and suggest next steps for investors.
 

10 Reasons Fixed Income Still Makes Sense Today

by Rob Williams
December 9, 2009

Whether you believe interest rates are headed up or inflation may soon rise, here are several reasons to keep fixed income investments in your portfolio.
    

The Impact of Interest Rates on Bond Investments

by Rob Williams
November 25, 2009

Bond prices fall when interest rates rise, and climb when interest rates drop. How much does this matter if you own bonds?
    

Investing in Bonds if the Dollar Falls

by Rob Williams
Updated November 13, 2009

What a falling US dollar, eventual rising interest rates and potential inflation all could mean for bond investors—and what you should consider for each scenario.
    

The Pros and Cons of Bond Sectors and Types

by Rob Williams
November 11, 2009

Fixed income securities come in many different types. A look at four key sectors, the pros and cons of each, and how they might fit in your portfolio.
    

MuniWatch: Investing Wisely in Municipal Bonds Today

by Rob Williams
October 14, 2009

Why we see opportunity in municipal bonds, especially for high-tax investors using taxable accounts—plus, a look at large states of particular interest to Schwab investors.
    

Schwab Bond Sector Views: Repositioning During the Recovery

by Rob Williams
September 2, 2009

Why we see opportunity in high-grade corporate bonds and municipal bonds, but suggest caution with US Treasuries and mortgage-backed securities.
    

Q&A: Government Bonds

by Rob Williams
August 19, 2009

Answers to clients’ questions on government bonds—and ideas for how to invest in them now.
    

California's Budget Crisis and Its Impact on Muni Bonds

by Rob Williams, Director of Income Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research 
August 5, 2009

After lengthy legislative negotiations, California finally passed a budget that closed a $26 billion shortfall. What we think this means for municipal bond investors.
    

CIT, California and the Fallout in Today's Bond Markets

by Rob Williams, Director of Income Planning, Schwab Center for Financial Research
July 29, 2009

There's been lots of news about CIT Group's severe financial troubles and California's ugly budget mess. But what do these crises mean for bond investors?
    

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? 
   

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.
 

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.
    

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.
 

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.