The Debt Ratings Debate
Lack of competition and potential conflicts of interest have called the value of these ratings into question.
Opportunistic Credit Investing
Profit from long-term market trends by buying bonds when other investors shy away.
Bond Funds Boost Income, Reduce Risk
These funds can provide stable returns for those who depend on their investment income.
Six Biggest Bond Risks
Don't assume that you can't lose money in this market - you can. Find out how.
Too Many Bonds To Choose From?
Find out which bonds you should be investing in and when you should be buying them.
Retirees Can't Count On Muni Bonds
Interest may not be tax-exempt for seniors with Medicare or Social Security benefits.
Fatal Seduction Of The Municipal Bond Insurers
Learn how a foray into CDOs and other exotic products ruined an industry's image.
Asset-Backed Commercial Paper Carries High Risk
Investors beware: These risks may not appear until times of market stress.
Spice Up Your Portfolio With International Bonds
Going global can add flavor and diversity to an otherwise bland basket of bonds.
Investing In Emerging Market Debt
This asset class has left much of its unstable past behind. Find out how to invest in it.
Green Bonds: Fixed Returns To Fix The Planet
Fixed-income investors are no longer left out of the green investing revolution.
Channel Your Inner Scavenger With Distressed Debt
Learn about the vulture funds that prey on the market's weak and dying.
Get Acquainted With Bond Price/Yield Duo
Understanding this relationship can help an investor in any market.
Callable CDs: Check The Fine Print
These offer higher returns than regular certificates of deposit, but there's a catch.
Promissory Notes: Not Your Average IOU
These may be a handy way to borrow money, but this convenience does not come without risk.
Step Up Your Income With A CD Ladder
These instruments offer safe capital, predictable cash flow and simplicity.
Principal-Protected Investments: Risks, Fees And Regulations
Discover if these instruments hit the right note for you.
Bond Market Pricing Conventions
Learn the basic rules that govern how bonds are priced.
Treasury Inflation Protected Securities
If you want to protect your portfolio from inflation, all you need are a few TIPS.
Agency Bonds: Limited Risk And Higher Return
Discover these safe alternatives to Treasury bonds.
Callable Bonds: Leading A Double Life
Find out more about these dangerous and exciting cousins to regular bonds.
Principal-Protected Notes: Paying For A Guarantee
Learn how to "read" and understand this popular investment.
Creating The Modern Fixed-Income Portfolio
The approach to this kind of investing has changed. Find out what it means for you.
Common Mistakes By Fixed-Income Investors
Avoid these errors made daily in bond portfolios everywhere.
Avoid Tricky Tax Issues On Municipal Bonds
Learn the rules every investor should know before buying into this "tax-free" investment.
The Money Market: A Look Back
Learn how past inflationary periods can predict future real rates of return for cash investments.
Profit From Mortgage Debt With MBS
Mortgage-backed securities can offer monthly income, a fixed interest rate and even government backing.
The Bond Market: A Look Back
Find out how fixed-income investments evolved in the past century and what it means today.
High Yield, Or Just High Risk?
Despite their reputation, the debt securities known as "junk bonds" may actually reduce risk in your portfolio.
Retail Notes Make Bond Investing Easier
As they are meant to be held until maturity, complex pricing is not an issue. Read on to find out more.
Curbing The Effects Of Inflation
Your investments suffer when general price levels rise. Learn how you can control the damage with IPSs.
Call Features: Don't Get Caught Off Guard
Learn why early redemption occurs and how to avoid potential losses.
The Basics of Municipal Bonds
Investing in these bonds may offer a tax-free income stream but they are not without risks.
Asset Allocation Within Fixed Income
An investor's fixed-income portfolio can easily beat the average bond fund. Learn how and why!
Inflation-Protected Securities - The Missing Link
Inflation is an enemy to investors - except to those who invest in IPS, which guarantee a real rate of return with no credit risk.
Weighing The Tax Benefits Of Municipal Securities
Find out how to determine whether the tax exemption offered by "munis" benefits you.
Getting To Know The Money Market
If you need liquidity and safety on a sum of money, don't forgo potential interest by keeping the funds as cash.
Basics Of Federal Bond Issues
Treasuries are considered the safest investments, but they should still be analyzed when issued.
Corporate Bonds: An Introduction To Credit Risk
Corporate bonds offer higher yields, but it's important to evaluate the extra risk involved before you buy.
What Is A Corporate Credit Rating?
For investors considering buying debt securities, a credit rating is an essential tool.
The Lowdown On Savings Bonds
They may not be sexy, but bonds offer undeniable benefits to investors.
The Basics Of The Bond Ladder
If you want a diversified portfolio and steady cash flow, you should learn about this fixed-income strategy.
Junk Bonds: Everything You Need to Know
Don't be fooled by the name - junk bonds may be for you if you know how to analyze them.
Advantages Of Bonds
They may not be sexy, but bonds do have a place in every balanced portfolio. Find out why.
