Strategies
Bonds
Government and investment-grade corporate credit.
The typical shape of this kind of investment over time. An illustration, not a forecast.
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Overview
A bond is a loan to a government or company that pays interest, known as a coupon, and returns the original amount at maturity. Government and investment-grade corporate bonds are generally seen as lower-risk than equities.
They're often used for income and to reduce overall portfolio volatility, though their prices move when interest rates change.
Typical structure
A direct holding in a government or corporate bond, with a fixed coupon paid on a set schedule and the face value repaid at maturity.
Illustrative, to explain the general shape of this asset class. Individual products vary, and each carries its own terms.
Who it may suit
- Investors seeking regular income
- Those looking to balance the volatility of equities
- Investors who want a defined maturity and coupon schedule
Typical characteristics
- Liquidity
- Generally high
- Typical horizon
- 1–10 years
- Role in a portfolio
- Income and stability
- Typical risk range
- 2–3 of 7
- Typical minimum
- $25,000
Key risks
- Interest-rate risk: prices fall when yields rise, and longer-dated bonds fall further
- Credit risk: an issuer may fail to pay coupons or repay capital
- Inflation can erode the real value of fixed payments
- Reinvestment risk when bonds mature into lower rates
This is a summary, not a full list. See the Risk Warning and each product's offering documents.
How it appears in your portfolio
Shown with an income projection: your capital stays flat while coupons are paid on schedule, so you can see income separately from capital value.
Further reading
Events that moved bonds
- Central banks · 16 September 2026The Fed turns: from a cutting debate to a rate rise
- Bonds · 31 August 2026Long yields climb to 2007 highs as gold rallies
- Currencies · 31 July 2026The US and Japan step in to support the yen
- Central banks · 10 December 2025The Fed cuts for a third time, with three dissents
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