Fixed-Income Style Box

Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Fixed-Income Style Box'

Created by Morningstar, a fixed-income style box is designed to visually represent the investment characteristics of bonds and bond mutual funds. This is a valuable tool for investors to use to determine the risk-return structures of their bonds/ bond portfolios and/or how these investments fit into their investing criteria.

Fixed-Income Style Box


Also referred to as a "bond style box".
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Fixed-Income Style Box'

A fixed-income style box is made up of nine squares, with the investment features of bonds/bond mutual funds presented along its vertical and horizontal axes.

For bonds and bond funds, the horizontal axis is divided into three maturity categories: short term, intermediate term and long term. The vertical axis is divided into three credit-quality categories: high (AAA - AA), medium (A - BBB) and low (BB - C).

A fixed-income investor looking for safety would confine his or her bond or bond fund investments to the investment grade credit quality categories identified as high and medium, combined with the short- to intermediate-term maturity categories. For a risk taker, the category combination of low credit quality and long-term maturity will provide a high-risk, high-yield return.

Sign Up For Term of the Day!

Try Our Stock Simulator!

Test your trading skills!

Related Definitions

  1. Fixed-Income Security

    An investment ...
  2. Effective Duration

    A duration ...
  3. Credit Rating

    An assessment of ...
  4. Bond Fund

    A fund invested ...
  5. Default Risk

    The event in ...
  6. Style Box

    Created by ...
  7. International Equity Style Box

    A visual ...
  8. Bond Rating

    A grade given to ...
  9. Equity Style Box

    A visual ...
  10. Agency Bond

    A bond issued by ...

Articles Of Interest

  1. Understanding The Mutual Fund Style Box

    Evaluate your investments with this simple tool.
  2. Are High-Yield Bonds Too Risky?

    Despite their reputation, the debt securities known as "junk bonds" may actually reduce risk in your portfolio.
  3. What does investment grade mean?

  4. Healthcare Funds: Give Your Portfolio A Booster Shot

    Find out how healthcare investments can become the strongest asset in your portfolio.
  5. This Is Your Brain On Stocks

    Find out how the human mind can hurt investors' portfolios.
  6. Should You Invest Your Entire Portfolio In Stocks?

    It is true that stocks outperform bonds and cash in the long run, but that statistic doesn't tell the whole story.
  7. 5 Tips For Diversifying Your Portfolio

    A diversified portfolio will protect you in a tough market. Get some solid tips here!
  8. 5 Popular Portfolio Types

    Learning how to build these portfolios will increase your investing confidence and give you financial control.
  9. How To Invest When You're Deep In Debt

    Debt is one of the biggest obstacles that prevents people from investing - but it shouldn't be.
  10. Finding Your Investing Comfort Zone

    Choosing the right investments for you is the best way to feel comfortable with your portfolio.

comments powered by Disqus
Recommended
Loading, please wait...
Trading Center