In moments of uncertainty, it is important to stop and reflect on the basic role of fixed income in a portfolio. While the primary objective of investing in equity is capital growth, fixed income can serve complementary roles within a broader portfolio: capital preservation, income generation and diversification from equities which can help smooth overall portfolio returns.
As a fixed income investor, it is crucial to focus on the return of capital rather than the return on capital.
While there is a natural “home bias” toward domestic bonds, the global fixed income market should not be ignored. It is by far the largest securities market in the world and has grown tremendously both in terms of size and number of issuers.