LQD: High Expense Ratios And Tail Risks
The iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF is not the lowest expense ratio option to target this particular duration. In addition to that, we are not terribly keen on long to very-long duration bonds. One of the issues we have, in addition to particularly low compensation for credit risk at the moment, is the low yield spread.
LQD: Be Careful Of The Dislocation Trap
We think higher credit spreads are probable to occur and that the iShares iBoxx $ Investment could face residual backlash after higher yield bonds, especially given the vehicle's sector concentration. Unsecured bond exposure heightens risk due to higher loss given default. Moreover, lower rates are anticipated, which could trigger call risk and/or reinvestment risk. An effective duration of 7.99 can lead to upside if interest rates settle lower. That said, dislocations usually occur, where duration turns negative in stressed economic environments.
LQD: A Bad Time For Investing In Corporate Bonds
The LQD ETF isn't offering enough extra yield compared to safer US government bonds to be worth the risk. Credit spreads remain too tight, in my opinion. This presents a risk for the current holders of corporate bonds in case of an economic slowdown in the US. I maintain my "Sell" rating on the LQD ETF.
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LQD: Avoid Long-Duration Corporate Bonds For Now
Tight credit spreads limit LQD ETF's upside potential in current markets. The Fed is guiding fewer rate cuts for 2025 amid heightened inflation risks. I recommend avoiding buying long-duration corporate bonds for now.
Avoid Duration Bets Like LQD
The iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF has underperformed due to its long duration and sensitivity to rate changes amidst inflation. Credit spreads are at historically low levels, offering no margin of safety in terms of further lowering of credit spreads and yield to maturities. Market concerns around Trump's potential inflationary policies, including tariffs, are impacting inflation expectations and causing upward pressure on rates already.
LQD: Rock-Bottom Options-Adjusted Spread, Unfavorable To Treasuries
Low options-adjusted spread (OAS) of IG bonds limits upside potential and increases downside risk, making them less attractive compared to US Treasury bonds. State taxes on corporate bond interest payments further reduce their after-tax yield, making Treasurys more favorable for investors in high tax brackets. Investors bullish on bonds should prefer US Treasurys, while those bullish on corporate credit spreads should consider a barbell strategy involving common stocks of lenders.
LQD: Getting Ready For 3% Cash Yields, IG Credit Still Appealing
I maintain a buy rating on LQD due to its solid 4.8% yield and favorable technical momentum, despite the Fed's rate cuts. LQD offers exposure to a broad range of U.S. investment-grade corporate bonds, with a YTM of 4.82% as of September 2024. The ETF's technicals are strong, with shares trending higher, a bullish RSI, and a breakout above key resistance levels.
No Summer Vacation for ETFs as Flows Near Record Pace in July
Plenty of investors may be out of office this summer, but ETFs aren't on vacation. Despite ETFs frequently seeing Summer lulls, this year inflows are nearing a record pace.
LQD: A Great Way To Access Investment Grade Bonds
Fed pivots towards rate-cutting cycle, potential end of a bear market. iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF (LQD) offers broad exposure to US investment-grade corporate bond market. LQD has diverse holdings, low credit risk, 4.32% yield, and potential for upside appreciation.
How to immunize your bond ETF if interest rates turn back up
The best time to buy insurance is when whatever it is you're insuring against is considered unlikely. So, should you hedge your bond portfolio against rising interest rates?
