Displaying items by tag: total bond

Investor interest in international bonds has been accelerating, as July fund flows showed a marked uptick in overseas bond allocations, according to Morningstar data. This trend reflects a growing desire to diversify away from U.S. bond exposure, with Vanguard offering three compelling options for investors seeking global fixed income opportunities. 

A weaker dollar, pressured by expectations of falling rates, has further boosted the appeal of international assets, drawing more flows into global and emerging market bond funds. For those balancing domestic and global exposure, the Vanguard Total World Bond ETF (BNDW) offers nearly equal allocations between U.S. and international bonds at a minimal 0.05% expense ratio. 

Investors who prefer a pure international approach may turn to the Vanguard Total International Bond ETF (BNDX), which focuses on developed markets, or the Vanguard Emerging Markets Government Bond ETF (VWOB), which provides higher yields through EM sovereign debt. 

Finsum: Total bond funds present flexible avenues for enhancing portfolio diversification and capturing income beyond U.S. borders.

Bond funds delivered modest results last year, with the average fund returning 4.8%, though nearly all finished in positive territory. Surprisingly, high-yield and emerging-market bond funds dominated the top performers, buoyed by strong global growth and favorable currency trends despite an inverted yield curve. 

Their outperformance suggests a speculative tone in markets, as riskier assets typically lag when investors grow cautious about the economy. However, higher volatility weighed on their ratings, leaving most of the top 20 funds with only “hold” grades, except for Delaware Pooled Trust High-Yield, which earned a B-minus.

In contrast, lagging funds saw declines in principal value, weak dividend payments, and overall “sell” ratings, with inflation-protected funds failing to meet expectations. 

Finsum: The divide highlights how chasing yield in riskier segments delivered gains last year, while traditionally safer strategies struggled to keep up.