JNK is one of a pair of tenured high-yield bond ETFs, listed since 2007. This is a notoriously cyclical sub-sector of the bond market that is again showing signs that tell me to stay away. I am putting my money where my mouth is, as I own a put position on HYG, which trades in sync with JNK, but has a more liquid options market.
Junk bonds currently offer a poor risk/reward profile due to low credit spreads and rising delinquency rates. "Fallen Angel" bonds, downgraded from investment-grade, present a potentially better alternative with higher credit quality and track record of outperformance. JNK and SJNK ETFs have high correlations with the equity market, offering limited diversification and experiencing sharp draw-downs during market crashes.
JNK provides exposure to high-yield junk bonds issued in the US. A high yield but faces high credit risk and refinancing risk amid current economic conditions. Despite its impressive long-term performance and diversification benefits, the ETF's risk-reward profile is less attractive now due to still restrictive interest rates and potential economic downturns. Underweighting JNK and overweighting long-term treasuries is reasonable.
At times like these, with the economic outlook uncertain and volatility likely, we want to be certain of one thing: We're still in stocks (and stock-focused funds)! But of course, we want to make sure we're tempering our risk, as well.
Here is a great way to bring in extra cash.
The spike in volatility we've seen in the last month has gotten me thinking a lot about the last decade—when bonds were a bust and tech ruled the day.
Investors are constantly looking to gain an edge in the stock market. One simple way to understand risk in the marketplace is by following Junk Bonds.
SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF offers high yield and modest capital gains. However, the credit risk is high as over 99% of the holdings are rated below investment grade. A 1.67% premium over the risk-free rate is simply too low, especially as risks are rising.