Observations & Ideas for a Higher Yield World

By Matthew J. Eagan, CFA®

Observations & Ideas for a Higher Yield World

With higher yields, easing inflation, and slowing growth, Loomis Sayles’ Portfolio Manager Matt Eagan suggests extending duration and leaning into US credit markets.

Matt Eagan, CFA®, Co-Head of the Loomis Sayles Full Discretion Team and Portfolio Manager, sees a positive backdrop for active bond investors as we enter 2024. For example, elevated interest rate levels should lead to higher capture of yield for long-term investors. Furthermore, he believes the Federal Reserve appears to have concluded its rate hiking cycle, which would put bond market turmoil in the rear-view mirror.

Watch the video for these and other insights on bond investing in 2024 from Loomis Sayles:
  • Why high yield, embedded in many of today’s bond portfolios, offers a source of income and a cushion to upcoming volatility.
  • The above-average risk premium, together with dispersion and low dollar prices, are what Eagan calls ‘a very good bond picking market.’
  • Compelling security selection opportunities exist, particularly in the BBB and BB segment of the US credit market.
The provision of this material and/or reference to specific securities, sectors, or markets within this material does not constitute investment advice, or a recommendation or an offer to buy or to sell any security, or an offer of any regulated financial activity. Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks and expenses of any investment carefully before investing. The analyses, opinions, and certain of the investment themes and processes referenced herein represent the views of the portfolio manager(s) as of November 2023. These, as well as the portfolio holdings and characteristics shown, are subject to change. There can be no assurance that developments will transpire as may be forecasted in this material. The analyses and opinions expressed by external third parties are independent and do not necessarily reflect those of Natixis Investment Managers.

All investing involves risk, including the risk of loss. The views and opinions expressed may change based on market and other conditions. They are subject to change at any time based on market and other conditions. There can be no assurance that developments will transpire as forecasted. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Fixed income securities may carry one or more of the following risks: credit, interest rate (as interest rates rise bond prices usually fall), inflation and liquidity.

Credit risk is the risk that the issuer of a fixed-income security may fail to make timely payments of interest or principal or to otherwise honor its obligations.

Interest rate risk is a major risk to all bondholders. As rates rise, existing bonds that offer a lower rate of return decline in value because newly issued bonds that pay higher rates are more attractive to investors.

Duration risk measures a bond's price sensitivity to interest rate changes. Bond funds and individual bonds with a longer duration (a measure of the expected life of a security) tend to be more sensitive to changes in interest rates, usually making them more volatile than securities with shorter durations.

Risk spread is the additional net yield an investor can earn from a security with more credit risk relative to one with less credit risk.

High yield bonds are rated below BBB/Baa. Ratings are determined by third-party rating agencies such as Standard & Poor's or Moody's and are an indication of a bond's credit quality.

Unlike passive investments, there are no indexes that an active investment attempts to track or replicate. Thus, the ability of an active investment to achieve its objectives will depend on the effectiveness of the investment manager.

6129379.1.1