Strategy Spotlight

Short‑Term Bond Investing: Handle With Care

Investors looking to passive short duration strategies for “defense” in a rising interest rate environment may be in for a surprise.

Bond investors concerned about the impact of rising interest rates are flocking to short-term bonds lately, and the majority have chosen passive strategies. Investors looking to these funds for “defense” in a rising rate environment may be in for a surprise, however.

Passive short duration strategies have exposure to the segment of the bond market that is historically the most affected when the Federal Reserve raises interest rates. Because these funds employ passive strategies, they have no flexibility to change their exposure or mitigate the effects of a hiking cycle. As a result, passive short duration strategies are at risk of underperforming this year as the Federal Reserve continues to normalize rates.

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The Author

Andrew T. Wittkop

Portfolio Manager, Treasuries, Agencies, Rates

Brian Leach

Credit Strategist

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