Credit markets will likely deteriorate in the coming months as tariffs and DOGE cuts flow through the economy. Despite mounting headwinds, economists and credit markets remain too complacent. With credit spreads still near multi-year lows, credit markets are unattractive and investors should stick with quality.
JBBB has consistently outperformed high-yield and investment-grade bond funds since its launch in January 2022, even in varying interest rate environments. JBBB offers a higher yield-to-worst of 7.72% with minimal credit and interest rate risk, compared to HYG's 7.01% YTW and higher risk profile. JBBB provides robust sector diversification, particularly away from financial services, reducing exposure to financial institution risks compared to LQD.
The Janus Henderson B-BBB CLO ETF offers a compelling yield by focusing on BBB CLOs tranches, providing a liquid, diversified alternative to direct leveraged loan investments. JBBB ETF is poised for compelling returns in 2025 due to a potential pause in interest rate cuts and subtle credit spread widening. The ETF's low interest rate price sensitivity and the robust U.S. economic outlook likely mitigate tangible default risks.
Janus Henderson B-BBB CLO ETF offers a high dividend yield of 7.7%, making it a reliable income source, especially in a low-return market environment. The ETF's diverse portfolio of B to BBB rated CLO debt investments mitigates sector-specific risks and benefits from floating interest rates. Historical data shows CLO default rates have remained low, suggesting the perceived risk of JBBB is overblown.
Narrowing credit spreads and rising default rates favor investment-grade securities over non-investment grade. JBBB is one of the strongest investment-grade ETFs in the market, with a 7.8% dividend yield and an outstanding performance track record. It is variable rate too, a negative moving forward. LQD is one of the largest investment-grade ETFs in the market, focusing on corporate bonds. Its 4.3% dividend yield is much lower, but it's fixed rate.
The JBBB ETF gives investors access to BBB-B rated CLO debt tranches. The JBBB ETF has benefited from credit spreads collapsing to cycle-lows, driving strong performance in the last few months despite elevated credit defaults. However, recent weak economic data is spurring a rapid re-pricing of credit risk which may act as a headwind for the JBBB ETF.
It is prudent to consider risk management in high-yield investments during a potential market correction. JBBB offers lower risk CLO investment with 7.8% yield, suitable for a cash-like alternative. CLOs offer high yield with low risk due to structural protections, JBBB provides one attractive risk-reward alternative.