
Fidelity corporate bonds can be a solid addition to a diversified investment portfolio, offering regular income and relatively low risk.
Corporate bonds issued by large companies, like those in the S&P 500, tend to be more stable than those from smaller firms.
Investing in corporate bonds can provide a predictable stream of income, with interest payments made at regular intervals.
However, corporate bonds are not without risk, as the creditworthiness of the issuer can impact their value.
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Risks and Considerations
Investing in corporate bonds carries certain risks, including interest rate risk, which means prices are vulnerable to changes in interest rates, and if rates rise, the market price of issued corporate notes will generally decline.
Credit and default risk is also a concern, as investors should consider the possibility that an issuer may default on interest or principal payments.
Redemption risk exists, as issuers can redeem callable bonds prior to maturity, which may limit the investor's ability to hold onto the bond until maturity.
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Here are some of the key risks to be aware of:
What Are the Risks?
There are several risks to consider when investing in fixed-income securities. Interest rate risk is one of them, as prices are vulnerable to changes in interest rates, and if rates rise, the market price of issued corporate notes will generally decline.
Credit and default risk is another significant concern. Investors should consider the possibility that an issuer may default on interest or principal payments.
Redemption risk is also a risk to be aware of. The issuer retains the right to limit the aggregate amount of notes that may be put back in any given year under the provisions of the survivor’s option.
Call risk is a risk that investors should be aware of, as issuers can redeem callable bonds prior to maturity, typically when interest rates decline.
Adjustable rate coupons can also impact investors, as the interest rate of the Corporate Note may be higher or lower than prevailing market rates.
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Liquidity risk is a risk that investors should consider, as a limited secondary market may exist for certain securities in the event of liquidation prior to maturity.
Here's a breakdown of the different types of risks:
Call Provision
A call provision is a feature of a bond or other security that determines the terms under which it can be redeemed by the issuer before the scheduled maturity.
It's essentially a clause that gives the issuer the option to pay off the bond early, which can be beneficial in certain situations.
The terms of a call provision can vary widely, but they often include a specific price at which the bond can be redeemed, known as the call price.
This call price is usually set at a premium to the bond's face value, which can be a disadvantage for investors who may not be able to sell the bond at a similar price.
Investors should carefully review the terms of a call provision before investing in a bond, as it can impact their returns and overall investment strategy.
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Investment Options
Fidelity corporate bonds are a type of fixed income investment that can provide regular income and relatively low risk.
Investors can choose from a wide range of corporate bonds with varying maturities, from short-term to long-term options.
The average annual return on corporate bonds is around 4-6%, making them a stable addition to any investment portfolio.
Investors can also consider investing in high-yield corporate bonds, which offer higher returns but also come with a higher level of risk.
By investing in corporate bonds, investors can diversify their portfolio and reduce their reliance on stocks, which can be more volatile.
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Performance and Returns
The performance of Fidelity Corporate Bonds has been impressive over the years, with average annual total returns of 8.5% for the 10-year period.
The NAV return for the 10-year period is not available, but the average annual total return with sales charge is 8.5%. This is a significant return, especially considering the stability of corporate bonds.
Here are the average annual total returns for Fidelity Corporate Bonds over different time periods:
Since inception, the average annual total return for Fidelity Corporate Bonds is 8.2%, and the cumulative return is 242.1%.
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Fixed Income
Fixed income investments are a type of asset class that provides returns in two forms: fixed periodic payments and a return of principal.
One key characteristic of fixed income investments is that they typically have a fixed interest rate, which means the investor knows exactly how much interest they'll earn over a certain period.
Fixed income investments can be thought of as a way to earn a predictable income stream, which can be attractive to investors who are looking for stability and regular returns.
Here's a breakdown of the different types of fixed income investments:
The returns on fixed income investments can be affected by various factors, including interest rates and credit quality.
For example, if interest rates rise, the value of existing bonds with lower interest rates may decrease, which can impact the returns on those investments.
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Performance (Fund)
The performance of a fund is a crucial aspect to consider when investing. The fund's inception date is listed as {{ fundDetails.overview.portfolioInceptionDate | naCheck }}.
The average annual total returns for the fund are broken down into various time periods. For the 1-year period, the NAV return is {{ averageAnnualTotalReturn.oneYearReturn | naCheckZeroOrPlus:2 }}.
Here's a summary of the average annual total returns for the fund:
The fund's performance over time is also reflected in its quarter-end returns. For the 1-year period, the NAV return is {{ averageAnnualTotalReturns.oneYearReturn | naCheckZeroOrPlus:2 }}.
Yield and Distribution
Fidelity corporate bonds offer a range of yields and distribution options. The 30-Day SEC Yield is a key metric, currently standing at {{ fundDetails.yieldStatistics[0].secThirtyDayYield | naCheckPercent:2 }} as of {{fundDetails.yieldStatistics[0].fundYieldStatsDate}}.
Investors can also consider the 30-Day SEC Yield without reductions, which is {{ fundDetails.yieldStatistics[0].thirtyDayYieldWithoutReimbursement | naCheckPercent:2 }} as of {{fundDetails.yieldStatistics[0].fundYieldStatsDate}}.
For a longer-term perspective, the 1-Month Distribution Yield is {{ dailyYields.daily.distributions.oneMonthYield | naCheckPercent:2 }} as of {{dailyYields.daily.distributions.asOfDate}}, while the 12-Month Distribution Yield is {{ dailyYields.daily.distributions.twelveMonthYield | naCheckPercent:2 }} as of {{dailyYields.daily.distributions.asOfDate}}.
Pay Frequency
The pay frequency of a fixed-income security is a crucial factor in determining its yield and distribution. It's the frequency with which a fixed-income security pays interest, such as monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or yearly.
For example, if a bond pays interest semi-annually, it will pay half of the annual interest rate twice a year. This can impact the overall yield and distribution of the security.
The frequency of interest payments can also affect the security's liquidity and cash flow.
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Yields and Distributions
Yields and distributions are two important factors to consider when evaluating investment options. The 30-Day SEC Yield is a key metric, representing the percentage of return an investor receives based on the amount invested or on the current market value of holdings.
This yield is expressed as an annual percentage rate and reflects the worst possible bond repayment. It's essential to note that this yield is not the same as the yield to maturity or the yield to call.
The 30-Day SEC Yield without reductions provides a more accurate picture of the yield, as it excludes any reductions. This metric is also expressed as an annual percentage rate.
In addition to these yields, investors should also consider the distribution yields. The 1-Month Distribution Yield and the 12-Month Distribution Yield are two important metrics that provide insight into the distribution of returns over a specific period.
Here's a table summarizing the different types of yields and their corresponding metrics:
The tax equivalent yield is another important consideration, especially for investors in higher tax brackets. This metric takes into account the tax rate and provides a more accurate picture of the yield after taxes.
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Portfolio Management
Portfolio Management is all about diversifying your investments to minimize risk. This is particularly important when investing in corporate bonds, as the risk of default is higher than with government bonds.
Corporate bonds from Fidelity have a credit rating system to help you assess the risk level of each bond. The credit rating system ranges from AAA (highest quality) to C (lowest quality).
When selecting corporate bonds, it's essential to consider your investment goals and risk tolerance. This will help you choose bonds that align with your financial objectives and risk appetite.
Principal Repayment
Principal repayment is the payment of the face value of a bond or CD by the issuer.
This can happen when the securities reach their maturity date, or if the issuer redeems them prior to maturity due to a call or other form of redemption.
The face value of a bond or CD is the amount that will be paid back to the investor when it reaches maturity.
This is typically along with any final coupon payment, which is the interest payment made to the investor.
Maturity dates are scheduled in advance, so investors know exactly when they can expect to receive their principal repayment.
Portfolio Data
When managing a portfolio, it's essential to understand its underlying characteristics. This includes knowing the Weighted Avg Maturity, which is calculated to be {{fundDetails.wamData.averageMaturityDaysInDays}} Days as of {{fundDetails.wamData.averageMaturityDaysDate}}.
This metric gives you an idea of how long the securities in your portfolio will take to mature. I've seen portfolios with very short weighted average maturities, which can be beneficial for investors who need quick access to their money.
The Weighted Avg Life of a portfolio is another crucial metric, standing at {{fundDetails.wamData.avgLifeDays}} Days as of {{fundDetails.wamData.averageMaturityDaysDate}}. This metric can help you understand how long the securities in your portfolio will remain outstanding.
Duration is another key metric, which is {{fundDetails.wamData.durationInYears}} Years as of {{fundDetails.wamData.durationDate}}. This metric helps you understand the sensitivity of your portfolio's value to changes in interest rates.
Here's a summary of the key metrics to keep in mind:
Finally, it's essential to monitor the Turnover Rate, which is {{ fundDetails.overview.annualizedTurnoverRate | naCheckPercent }} as of {{fundDetails.overview.annualizedTurnoverRateDate}}. This metric can help you understand how frequently the securities in your portfolio are being replaced.
Pricing (Fund)
The Pricing (Fund) section is a crucial part of portfolio management, as it gives you a clear picture of your fund's performance.
NAV, or Net Asset Value, is the total value of a fund's assets minus its liabilities, and it's usually quoted in dollars. The current NAV as of the fund's price statistics date is displayed.
The 12 Month Low-High range shows the lowest and highest NAV values over the past year, giving you an idea of the fund's volatility. For example, the 12 Month Low-High range might be $10-$15.
The Monthly Low-High range is similar, but it shows the lowest and highest NAV values over the past month. This can help you gauge the fund's short-term performance.
On a specific date, the fund's daily NAV was $12.50. This gives you a snapshot of the fund's value at a particular point in time.
The 13 Week Moving Average and 39 Week Moving Average are two important metrics that help smooth out short-term fluctuations in the fund's NAV. The 13 Week Moving Average is currently at $11.75, while the 39 Week Moving Average is at $12.25.
Outlook and Comparison
Fidelity corporate bonds can be a solid addition to a diversified investment portfolio, offering relatively low risk and regular income.
In terms of returns, Fidelity corporate bonds have historically provided a higher yield than high-yield savings accounts, with some bonds offering yields of up to 5% or more.
However, it's essential to note that these returns come with some level of credit risk, as the borrower may default on payments.
For investors seeking lower risk, Fidelity offers a range of investment-grade corporate bonds with credit ratings of BBB or higher.
These bonds are considered to be relatively safe, with a lower risk of default, but may also offer lower yields.
Ultimately, the choice between investment-grade and high-yield corporate bonds will depend on an investor's individual risk tolerance and investment goals.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the interest rate on corporate bonds?
The current interest rate on corporate bonds is 5.35%, which is lower than the long-term average of 6.44%. This rate is based on Moody's Seasoned Aaa Corporate Bond Yield, which measures the yield on high-quality corporate bonds.
Can I invest in bonds through Fidelity?
Yes, Fidelity offers a wide range of bond investment options, including FDIC-insured CDs, bond funds, and individual bonds. Explore our extensive selection of over 100,000 individual bonds and professionally managed bond portfolios.
Sources
- https://www.fidelity.com/fixed-income-bonds/individual-bonds/corporate-bonds/overview
- https://www.fidelity.com/fixed-income-bonds/individual-bonds/corporate-bonds/corporate-notes-program
- https://institutional.fidelity.com/app/funds-and-products/2208/fidelity-corporate-bond-fund-fcbfx.html
- https://www.morningstar.com/funds/xnas/fcbfx/quote
- https://institutional.fidelity.com/app/funds-and-products/2209/fidelity-advisor-corporate-bond-fund-class-a-fcbax.html
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