| NASDAQ Exchange | United States Country |
The fund is dedicated to investing primarily in a wide range of investment-grade bonds and fixed-income securities. It commits at least 80% of its assets to bonds, defining bonds in a broad sense to include various types of fixed-income securities. The fund’s strategy encompasses a diverse selection of bonds and fixed-income securities to provide its investors with a balanced and potentially stable investment in the bond market. This strategy is designed to cater to investors looking for income-generating investments and those interested in diversifying their investment portfolio into the fixed-income category, which potentially offers lower risk compared to equity investments.
The fund primarily invests in a variety of investment-grade bonds and fixed-income securities. These include securities that have been rated by major credit rating agencies as being of a quality suitable for investment, which typically indicates a lower risk of default. For investors, this forms the core of the fund’s offerings, providing a foundation of stability and reliable income.
As part of its investment strategy, the fund includes U.S. government securities. These are deemed to be among the safest investments since they are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. For investors, this category offers a high level of security and is a staple in conservative investment portfolios.
Investing in corporate bonds is another significant aspect of the fund’s strategy. Corporate bonds are issued by companies to fund operations, expansions, or specific projects, and they typically offer higher yields compared to government securities, albeit with a higher risk. The fund selects corporate bonds based on a thorough analysis to balance the yield against the risk for its investors.
The fund also allocates investments to mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities. These are bonds secured by assets such as mortgages or other productive assets, offering an additional layer of security for the fund’s investments. These types of securities can provide attractive yields and diversification benefits.
Convertible and preferred securities represent another component of the fund’s portfolio. Convertible securities are bonds or preferred stocks that can be converted into a predetermined number of common stock or equity shares. Preferred securities are typically a type of stock that provides dividends before any dividends are allocated to common stockholders. Both types offer unique benefits and risks, contributing to diversification and potential for income and growth.
The fund may invest in senior loans and participate in loan assignments. Senior loans are typically secured by the borrower's assets and have precedence over other debts in the event of a bankruptcy. Loan participations allow investors to buy a portion of a loan. These investments can offer higher yields, reflecting their higher risk profile compared to more traditional fixed-income securities.
While the fund focuses primarily on investment-grade bonds, it also has the discretion to invest in non-investment-grade securities, often referred to as high-yield or junk bonds. These securities offer higher potential returns but come with a higher risk of default. The inclusion of these securities is carefully considered to enhance the fund's yield potential while managing overall risk.