The Bond Bear Growls
By James Cielinski, CFA
James Cielinski, Global Head of Fixed Income at Janus Henderson, explores what a rising yield environment might mean for investors.
Epitaphs are being written daily about the death of the 35-year-old bond bull market. Could the long-feared bear market be upon us, given the rapid ascent of yields? Led by the U.S. and Europe, 10-year yields are higher by 67 and 36 basis points (bp), respectively, over the last five months.1
There are few more emotional terms than "bear market," but it is important to define what this term really means. Investors should be less concerned about terminology and more about what a rising yield environment might look like, how it might impact returns and what investment strategies stand the best chance of succeeding in this environment. In fact, the range of potential interest rate outcomes is more manageable than many fear.
Interest Rates Bottomed in mid-2016
We have already been in a bear market (of sorts) for the last 18 months. Developed market government bond yields troughed in the summer of 2016. You would be forgiven for not appreciating the significance of this. Total returns from government bonds were positive in both 2016 and 2017 (see Exhibit 1); hardly the definition of a classic bear market! Results were even better if one owned corporate or emerging market bonds. And for those that navigated the volatile, uneven rise in rates, it was even possible to produce some very robust investment returns.
Exhibit 1: Yields on the Upswing - G7 Global Government Bond Index
Source: Bloomberg, yield to worst and total return for ICE BofA Merrill Lynch G7 government index, in local currency terms, as of February 12, 2018. Past performance is not a guide to future performance.
The secular arguments for low interest rates have been well documented. Globalization, aging demographics, faltering productivity and the mammoth debt overhang have relentlessly pushed the equilibrium level of rates lower. These forces have been persistent for decades and are not about to vanish. Sustainable, rapid growth will require stronger credit creation. Yet, the buildup in debt, both pre-and post-crisis, makes this route unlikely.
The inflection point in yields was a reminder of the difference between yields staying low, as opposed to the argument that yields should not rise. Secular forces (generating low inflation) will continue to suppress yields. Cyclical forces, coupled with extremely low starting valuations, are pushing yields higher today. However, we have likely reached the point where this tug-of-war moves to a new phase - tighter monetary policy is coming, although much is priced in, and inflation expectations have also moved higher.
Bear market or not, yields are unlikely to shoot sharply higher from today's levels. Cyclical forces are likely to push rates higher, but powerful structural factors will act as an upper bound and preclude a return to pre-crisis levels. Equilibrium 10-year yields are not far north of 3% but a more convincing pick-up in wage inflation or credit creation is needed to move to a 3.5% level. And a move to 3.5% to 4.0% at this late stage in the cycle would require strong global economic acceleration and a regime shift in fiscal policies. You can call it whatever you want, but these outcomes do not spell impending doom. A bond bear market is not the equal of an equity bear market.
Exhibit 2: U.S. 10-Year Treasury Yield Heading Higher but not Alarming
Source: Bloomberg, generic U.S. 10-year government bond yield, January 31, 1980, to January 31, 2018.
A Central Bank Double Whammy
Global bonds are contending with the headwind of rising policy rates and the decline of central bank asset purchases. The removal of accommodation has left many wondering who the next marginal buyer of bonds might be. But there are limits to policy. The European Central Bank, for example, cannot tighten too much before the soaring euro crimps export growth. A policy mistake may also jeopardize equity market stability, the most important component of financial conditions. Moreover, central banks will be data dependent. Exhibit 3 shows that the most important data - core inflation - is mostly missing in action.
Exhibit 3: Boredom Alert - Global Core Inflation has Barely Moved
Source: Bloomberg, September 30, 2007, to December 31, 2017.
Diversity - The Beauty of Global Fixed Income Markets
A rising rate environment does not affect all bonds equally and may not imply negative total returns for many bonds. Credit and emerging market debt may perform better or worse than government bonds. Other assets such as floating rate notes and inflation-linked bonds can help protect from rising inflation. And finally, higher rates are improving the ability of bonds to provide diversification in a broader portfolio via better performance in "risk-off" events.
Exhibit 4: Scenario Analysis - 12-Month Estimated Returns in a Rising Yield Environment
Source: Janus Henderson Investors calculations as of February 12, 2018, expected returns using stress tests from RiskMetrics. Expected returns are estimates only and are not guaranteed, based on expected correlations and volatilities, which may be subject to change. Note: Credit spread tightening has been excluded in the analysis for investment-grade expected returns. Euro government, Euro IG corporate and Euro high yield returns are in euros, all others are in U.S. dollars. Bp = basis points. IG = investment grade.
The current cycle is getting old. There is a need for many investors to de-risk, and fixed income should play a vital role. The challenge is to recognize that many of the investment rules have changed. Growth at full employment is not generating inflation. Higher corporate leverage is not generating defaults and wider credit spreads. Central bank behavior continues to distort markets. Benchmark-agnostic approaches that seek to solve today's problems might stress income, attractive returns with downside protection or low exposure to rising interest rates.
It may not matter whether this is a mere correction or a bear market. Returns will of course differ, but the right approach for investors should be similar for both. If we are witnessing a more sustainable inflation upturn, it implies policy normalization and a new rate environment, which requires a flexible approach. Alternatively, we may be nearing the top of the range for rates, with inflation once again failing to accelerate. But again, this outcome demands a flexible approach.
Bond markets are not cheap and credit spreads are tight. The challenge is to look beyond the mainstream for opportunities, adapt to changing rules and rotate across a wide range of investment opportunities. In my view, flexibility is a prerequisite to success in today's markets.
1Bloomberg, as of February 12, 2018.
The World Government Bond Index Group-of-Seven (G7) Index measures the performance of fixed-rate, local currency, investment grade sovereign bonds.
Fixed income securities are subject to interest rate, inflation, credit and default risk. The bond market is volatile. As interest rates rise, bond prices usually fall, and vice versa. The return of principal is not guaranteed, and prices may decline if an issuer fails to make timely payments or its credit strength weakens.
Basis Point (bp) equals 1/100 of a percentage point. 1 bp = 0.01%, 100 bps = 1%.
Disclaimer: Please consider the charges, risks, expenses and investment objectives carefully before investing. Please see a prospectus or, if available, a summary prospectus containing this and other information. Read it carefully before you invest or send money.
The views presented are as of the date published. They are for information purposes only and should not be used or construed as an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation for any security or market sector. No forecasts can be guaranteed. The opinions and examples are meant as an illustration of broader themes, are not an indication of trading intent, and are subject to change at any time due to changes in market or economic conditions. There is no guarantee that the information supplied is accurate, complete, or timely, nor are there any warranties with regards to the results obtained from its use. It is not intended to indicate or imply in any manner that any illustration/example mentioned is now or was ever held in any Janus Henderson portfolio, or that current or past results are indicative of future profitability or expectations. As with all investments, there are inherent risks to be considered.
Janus Henderson Investors © 2001-2018. All rights reserved.
This article was written by
Recommended For You
Comments (4)
