Bonds

In this guide, explore key factors for high-yield versus investment-grade bonds. Learn the importance of credit, research, and market condition in bond selection.

The surprise move takes the rating to AA+ from AAA.

Discover the importance of bond duration as interest rates continue to rise in the United States. Read about the definition and how it gauges interest rate risk.

One common barbell strategy for fixed income investing is for investors to focus on short- and long-dated maturities and less on the intermediate term.

If a big expense is staring you down, here are some short-term investment strategies to carefully keep in mind when deciding how to invest to meet your goal.

What is a corporate bond? Corporate bonds offer yield and potentially (but not always) less risk. Learn the investing basics of these bonds in this overview.

What is the Consumer Price Index (CPI), and how does it impact your investments? Economic growth, inflation, and interest rates are all linked to the CPI.

Is it up, flat, or down? Traders track the yield curve as an economic and inflation barometer. Here are 3 ways to track yield curve spreads on the thinkorswim® platform.

Bonds are typically considered a more conservative investment that can help diversify your portfolio and attempt to ride out stock market volatility.

How might rising interest rates impact long-term investing decisions? Discuss the impact of a rate hike on long-term savings: fixed income, long-term care.

Are you—or would you like to become—a municipal bond investor? Understand the basic types of municipal, or muni, bonds and the potential benefits and risks.

Understanding the relationships between stocks, bonds, commodities, and currencies can help you identify economic trends and better manage your investments.

Treasury rates can be thought of as the backbone of the global economy. You can use the yield curve, which is a measure of interest rate expectations, to get an idea of economic conditions and trends.

Know about the most popular exchange-traded fund categories you are likely to come across so you can do your top-down analysis before deciding which ETFs to trade.

Bonds and other fixed-income investments are typically recommended by financial experts as part of a diversified portfolio. Learn fixed-income basics.

Ultra-low interest rates and a promise by the Fed to keep rates low for a while has many retirees rethinking their bond portfolios. But is that the best course?

2020 was a challenging year for investors. But 2021 might be a challenge as well—for different reasons. Here’s a look at the opportunities and risks.

Interest rates have been low for quite some time, and if Federal Reserve projections hold true, they’ll continue to be low for a while. How might you get a yield bump in such an environment? Here are a few ideas—but remember the risks.

The Federal Reserve has no intention of raising the Fed funds rate until 2023. That doesn't mean you should avoid investing in fixed income. There are some advantages to investing in fixed income when interest rates are low.

Asset allocation is a basic discipline for diversifying your portfolio, especially if you have a long-term investing strategy. Relative valuations are important.

Markets—and the economy in general—tend to run in cycles, and each phase tends to favor certain sectors. Learn how sector investing can help investors seek specific objectives.

When bull turns to bear, should you change your asset allocation? It might depend on where you are in your investment journey. If you’re thinking about a strategy pivot, here are a few things to consider.

When bonds are wrapped up in an exchange-traded fund (ETF), their values change as yields increase or decrease. Find out what goes on beneath the surface.

Series EE bonds are viewed as a stable investment with a long and storied history, although today’s savings bonds pay paltry interest rates. Here are a few facts about this perennially popular gift for the grandkids.

When seeking portfolio balance and diversification, many investors choose bonds and other fixed-income securities. But just like all investments, bonds carry risk. Learn about bonds and bond risk, and when you should consider fixed-income investing.

New to income investing? Learn about three approaches: dividends from equity holdings, interest from bonds and fixed-income securities, and income from a multi-asset portfolio. Each comes with its own potential benefits and risks.

Learn about convertible bonds, what appeal they might have for investors, and how they differ from corporate bonds.

Lifespans are increasing, potentially making fixed-income investments essential for retirees and near-retirees who need to generate reliable income.

Learn how the TD Ameritrade I-Portfolio tool can help you monitor and analyze your fixed-income investments.

As investors, it’s important to understand the relationship between bonds and interest rates. Find out what happens to bonds when interest rates rise.

What are tax-free muni bonds? Learn the unique benefits and risks of this debt-security investment vehicle.

Trading bond futures may not be as risky as you think. A step-by-step guide that explains bond futures contract specs, pricing, and margin can go a long way. Walk through a 10-day bond trade and get a feel for day-to-day price action in the bond futures markets.

What are the different assets you can use to help build your investment portfolio? Explore the major asset classes: stock, fixed income, cash, and alternatives.

So, what’s the story with U.S. savings bonds? Here’s a brief primer explaining these historically solid investment instruments.

In a rising interest rate environment, investors might consider attempting to counter their fixed-income risk by building a bond ladder.

As the economy continues its march forward after the financial crisis of the last decade, are we finally seeing higher interest rates for CDs and other savings rates?

Learn the nuances for calculating and reporting your adjusted cost basis for fixed income bonds on your tax return from TD Ameritrade.

Fixed income can be a vital part of a young investor’s portfolio, helping provide risk management through diversification.

Even though the rate of inflation has been low, it still impacts interest rates, bonds, and your portfolio. Find out more before the Fed’s next meeting.

For retirees, the recent dip to record low U.S. bond yields poses a challenge. Will investors be forced into more dangerous investments?

Investors should diversify bond portfolios like they do their stock portfolios. However, bonds portfolios have a few layers of diversification to consider.

What you should know about rising interest rates, and practical trading strategies for dealing with them—approaching Fed decisions in four different arenas.

Study intermarket analysis for a more complete investing picture. Pull in bonds, currencies, and commodities with typical stock market research.

Only pros care about interest-rate trading, and bonds are boring, right? Not so fast. There’s more to them than meets the eye. Pros don't have all the fun.

Bond and stock investors can look to the yield curve for one measure of inflation and interest rate expectations.

With benchmark U.S. interest rates poised to climb, fixed-income investors should consider the implications for muni bonds.

Cash alone won’t cut it as a lingering low-rate environment challenges income investing.