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Bond Ladder

Candlefocus Editor
A bond ladder is a portfolio strategy that employs a mix of bonds with different maturity dates in order to provide diversification and a continuous stream of income. The diversification benefits are achieved through “laddering,” which is the practice of holding several bonds of different maturities in order to create a balancing effect through consistent cash flow. The bond laddering strategy is often used by investors who want to maintain their bond allocations while also having access to liquidity since bond prices tend to fluctuate depending on prevailing interest rates.

Generally, a bond ladder is composed of medium- to long-term bonds that all come with the same stated interest rate, though in some cases the interest rates may be different, depending on the type of bond and the issuer. The strategy's purpose is to spread out the investor's exposure to risk by reducing the impact of changes in market interest rates, or interest rate volatility, on the downside and maximizing the current income on the upside. Laddering reduces the risk of having the entire portfolio of bonds invested for the same length of time, which then implies an exposure to the same market risks for extending periods.

The bonds in a bond ladder are usually acquired and managed on a periodic basis to create a steady stream of income. As each bond reaches its maturity date, another bond with a longer maturity date is purchased and the process is repeated. This cycle provides investors with the opportunity to reinvest the proceeds of matured bonds into bonds with greater duration while spreading out the risk and reducing the overall cost of reinvestment.

Another reason why bond ladders are popular is because they provide investors with the ability to view their investments more effectively in the short-term, medium-term, and long-term. Having bonds with varying maturity dates allows investors to continuously monitor their investment portfolio and make adjustments if necessary. This kind of flexibility enables investors to position themselves for better returns if the market outlook changes or if any trends or opportunities arise.

Overall, bond ladders are a sound strategy for lending diversification and creating a steady stream of income. The benefits of laddering bonds include increasing liquidity, minimizing interest rates risk, and spreading out credit risk. Bond laddering can also enable investors to view their investments more effectively across different periods, allowing for prompt action if needed. With its combination of diversification and liquidity, a bond ladder is a great choice for investors.

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