{"id":85166,"date":"2023-11-16T04:00:41","date_gmt":"2023-11-16T09:00:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ifintechworld.com\/news\/prime-time-for-bonds-seeking-alpha\/"},"modified":"2023-11-16T04:00:42","modified_gmt":"2023-11-16T09:00:42","slug":"prime-time-for-bonds-seeking-alpha","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ifintechworld.com\/?p=85166","title":{"rendered":"Prime Time For Bonds | Seeking Alpha"},"content":{"rendered":"<div data-test-id=\"content-container\">\n<p><figure class=\"getty-figure\" data-type=\"getty-image\"><picture>  <\/picture><figcaption> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n<p>The global economic outlook along with market valuations and asset class fundamentals all lead us to favor fixed income. Relative to equities, we believe bonds have rarely been as attractive as they appear today. After a turbulent couple of years of<span class=\"paywall-full-content invisible\"> high inflation and rising rates that challenged portfolios, investors may see a return to more conventional behavior in both stock and bond markets in 2024 &#8211; even as growth is hindered in many regions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible\">In this environment, bonds appear poised to perform well, while equities could see lower (though still positive) risk-adjusted returns in a generally overvalued market. Risks still surround the macro and geopolitical outlook, so portfolio flexibility remains key.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"paywall-full-content invisible\">Macro outlook suggests a return of the inverse stock\/bond relationship<\/h2>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible\">In PIMCO\u2019s recent <em>Cyclical Outlook,<\/em> \u201cPost Peak,\u201d we shared our baseline outlook for a<span class=\"paywall-full-content no-summary-bullets invisible\"> slowdown in developed markets (DM) growth and, in some regions, the potential for contraction next year as fiscal support ends and monetary policy takes effect (after its typical lag). Our business cycle model indicates a 77% probability that the U.S. is currently in the \u201clate cycle\u201d phase and signals around a 50% probability of a U.S. recession within one year.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\">Growth has likely peaked, but so has inflation, in our view. As price levels get closer to central bank targets in 2024, bonds and equities should resume their more typical inverse relationship (i.e., negative correlation) &#8211; meaning bonds tend to do well when equities struggle, and vice versa. The macro forecast favors bonds in this trade-off: U.S. Treasuries historically have tended to provide attractive risk-adjusted returns in such a &#8220;post-peak&#8221; environment, while equities have been more challenged.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\">Valuations and current levels may strongly favor fixed income<\/h2>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\">Although not always a perfect indicator, the starting levels of bond yields or equity multiples historically have tended to signal future returns. Figure 1 shows that today\u2019s yield levels in high-quality bonds on average have been followed by long-term outperformance (typically an attractive 5%-7.5% over the subsequent five years), while today\u2019s level of the cyclically adjusted price\/earnings (CAPE) ratio has tended to be associated with long-term equity underperformance. Additionally, bonds have historically provided these return levels more consistently than equities &#8211; see the tighter (more \u201cnormal\u201d) distribution of the return outcomes. It\u2019s a compelling statement for fixed income.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\"><strong>Figure 1: Looking ahead from here, starting levels favor fixed income over equities<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\">\n<figure class=\"regular-img-figure paywall-full-content invisible\" contenteditable=\"false\"><span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.seekingalpha.com\/uploads\/2023\/11\/16\/saupload_pimco_aao_browne_sundstrom_sharef_nov2023_chart1_thumb1.ashx\" alt=\"Historical forward return distribution by asset class for conditions similar to now\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/span><figcaption>\n<p class=\"item-caption\"><span>Source: Bloomberg, Barclays Live data (January 1976 &#8211; September 2023), PIMCO calculations.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\"><em>\u201cConditions similar to now\u201d are defined as a cyclically adjusted price\/earnings (CAPE) ratio of greater than or equal to 28 for the S&amp;P 500 Index, and yield-to-worst in a range of 5%-7% for the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Index.<\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\">Delving deeper into historical data, we find that in the past century, there have been only a handful of instances when U.S. equities have been more expensive relative to bonds &#8211; such as during the Great Depression and the dot-com crash. One common way to measure relative valuation for bonds versus equities is the equity risk premium or ERP (there are several ways to calculate an ERP, but here we use the inverse of the price\/earnings ratio of the S&amp;P 500 minus the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield). The ERP is currently at just over 1%, a low not seen since 2007 (see Figure 2). History suggests equities likely won\u2019t stay this expensive relative to bonds; we believe now may be an optimal time to consider overweighting fixed income in asset allocation portfolios.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\"><strong>Figure 2: U.S. equities appear expensive relative to bonds<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\">\n<figure class=\"regular-img-figure paywall-full-content invisible\" contenteditable=\"false\"><span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.seekingalpha.com\/uploads\/2023\/11\/16\/saupload_pimco_aao_browne_sundstrom_sharef_nov2023_chart2_thumb1.ashx\" alt=\"U.S. equities appear expensive relative to bonds\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/span><figcaption>\n<p class=\"item-caption\"><span>Source: Bloomberg, PIMCO calculations as of 13 October 2023.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\"><em>Equity risk premium (ERP) is calculated as the 10-year cyclically adjusted earnings yield of the S&amp;P 500 (or S&amp;P 90 prior to 1957) minus the 10-year U.S. Treasury real yield.<\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\">Price\/earnings (P\/E) ratios are another way that equities, especially in the U.S., are screening rich, in our view &#8211; not only relative to bonds but also in absolute.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\">Over the past 20 years, S&amp;P 500 valuations have averaged 15.4x NTM (next-twelve-month) P\/E. Today, that valuation multiple is significantly higher, at 18.1x NTM P\/E. This valuation takes into account an estimated increase of 12% in earnings per share (EPS) over the coming year, an estimate we find unusually high in an economy facing a potential slowdown. If we assume, hypothetically, a more normal level of 7% EPS growth in 2024, then the S&amp;P today would be trading even richer at 18.6x NTM P\/E, while if we are more conservative and assume 0% EPS growth in 2024, then today\u2019s valuation would rise to 19.2x NTM P\/E. Such an extreme level, in our view, would likely drive multiple contraction (when share prices fall even when earnings are flat) if flat EPS came to pass.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\">We note, however, a crucial differentiation within the equity market: If we exclude the seven largest technology companies from this calculation, then the remainder of the S&amp;P trades close to the long-term average at 15.6x NTM P\/E. This differentiation could present compelling opportunities for alpha generation through active management.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\">Overall, we feel that robust forward earnings expectations might face disappointment in a slowing economy, which, coupled with elevated valuations in substantial parts of the markets, warrants a cautious neutral stance on equities, favoring quality and relative value opportunities.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\">Equity fundamentals support cautious stance<\/h2>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\">Our models suggest equity investors appear more optimistic on the economy than corporate credit investors. We use ERP, EPS, and CDX (Credit Default Swap Index) spreads to estimate recession probability implied by different asset classes, calculated by comparing today\u2019s levels with typical recessionary environments. The S&amp;P 500 (via ERP and EPS spreads) is currently reflecting a 14% chance of a recession, which is significantly lower than the estimates implied by high-yield credit at 42% (via CDX).<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\">Such optimism is underscored by consensus earnings and sales estimates for the S&amp;P 500, which anticipate a reacceleration rather than a slowdown (see Figure 3). We\u2019re concerned about a potential disconnect between our macro outlook and these equity earnings estimates and valuations. It reinforces our caution on the asset class.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\"><strong>Figure 3: Consensus sales estimates paint an optimistic outlook for U.S. equities<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\">\n<figure class=\"regular-img-figure paywall-full-content invisible\" contenteditable=\"false\"><span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.seekingalpha.com\/uploads\/2023\/11\/16\/saupload_pimco_aao_browne_sundstrom_sharef_nov2023_chart3_thumb1.ashx\" alt=\"Consensus sales estimates paint an optimistic outlook for U.S. equities\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/span><figcaption>\n<p class=\"item-caption\"><span>Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Haver Analytics, Goldman Sachs, PIMCO.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\"><em>Actual and forecast (bottom-up consensus) S&amp;P 500 sales growth is as of October 2023 from Goldman Sachs. Actual U.S. nominal GDP growth data is from BEA and Haver Analytics, while the forecast is a PIMCO calculation using PIMCO&#8217;s U.S. real GDP forecast and the market-implied U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) based on markets for U.S. Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS). GDP data and forecasts are as of 3 November 2023. Forecasts are indicated by dashed lines.<\/em><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\">Managing risks to the macro baseline<\/h2>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\">We recognize risks to our outlook for slowing growth and inflation. Perhaps the resilient U.S. economy will stave off recession but also drive overheating growth and accelerating inflation that prompts much more restrictive monetary policy. There\u2019s also potential for a hard landing, where growth and inflation fall quickly.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\">In light of these risk scenarios, we believe it\u2019s prudent to include hedges and to build optionality &#8211; and managing volatility, especially in equities, is attractively inexpensive (see Figure 4). For example, one strategy we favor is a \u201creverse seagull\u201d &#8211; a put spread financed by selling a call option.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\"><strong>Figure 4: Relatively low volatility in equities vs. fixed income fosters attractively priced hedges<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\">\n<figure class=\"regular-img-figure paywall-full-content invisible\" contenteditable=\"false\"><span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.seekingalpha.com\/uploads\/2023\/11\/16\/saupload_pimco_aao_browne_sundstrom_sharef_nov2023_chart4_thumb1.ashx\" alt=\"Relatively low volatility in equities vs. fixed income fosters attractively priced hedges\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/span><figcaption>\n<p class=\"item-caption\"><span>Source: Bloomberg data from October 2018 &#8211; October 2023.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\">VIX is the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) Volatility Index, a measure of volatility in the S&amp;P 500. MOVE is the ICE Bank of America MOVE Index, a measure of volatility in fixed income markets. Both measures are indexed to 100 in October 2018.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\">Investment themes amid elevated uncertainty<\/h2>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\">Within multi-asset portfolios, we believe the case for fixed income is compelling, but we look across a wide range of investment opportunities. We are positioned for a range of macroeconomic and market outcomes, and we emphasize diversification, quality, and flexibility.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\">Duration: high-quality opportunities<\/h2>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\">At today\u2019s starting yields, we would favor fixed income on a standalone basis; the comparison with equity valuations simply strengthens our view. Fixed income offers potential for attractive returns and can help cushion portfolios in a downturn. Given macro uncertainties, we actively manage and diversify our duration positions with an eye toward high-quality and resilient yields.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\">Medium-term U.S. duration is particularly appealing. We also see attractive opportunities in Australia, Canada, the U.K., and Europe. The first two tend to be more rate-sensitive as a large portion of homeowners have a floating mortgage rate, while the latter two could be closer to recession than the U.S. given recent macro data. Central bank policies in these regions could diverge, and we will monitor the bond holdings on their balance sheets for potential impact on rates and related positions.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\">In emerging markets, we hold a duration overweight in countries with high credit quality, high real rates, and attractive valuations and return potential. Brazil and Mexico, where the disinflation process is further along and real rates are distinctly high, stand out to us.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\">By contrast, we are underweight duration in Japan, where monetary policy may tighten notably as inflation heats up.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\">While we recognize cash rates today are more attractive than they\u2019ve been in a long time, we favor moving out along the maturity spectrum in an effort to lock in yields and anchor portfolios over the medium term. If history is a guide, duration has significant potential to outperform cash, especially at this stage of the monetary policy cycle.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\">Equities: relative value is key<\/h2>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\">Although the S&amp;P 500 appears expensive in aggregate, we see potential for differentiation and opportunities for thematic trades. From a macro perspective, there\u2019s also the potential for economic resilience (such as a strong U.S. consumer) to support equity markets more than we currently forecast. Accordingly, we are neutral in equities within multi-asset portfolios. An active approach can help target potential winners.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\">In uncertain times, we prefer to invest in quality stocks. Historically, the quality factor has offered an attractive option for the late phase of a business cycle (see Figure 5). Within our overall neutral position, we are overweight U.S. equities (S&amp;P 500), which present more quality characteristics than those in other regions, especially emerging markets. Also, European growth could be more challenged than in the U.S., so we are underweight the local equity market despite its more attractive valuation.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\"><strong>Figure 5: Quality stocks offer attractive risk-adjusted return potential late in the business cycle<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\">\n<figure class=\"regular-img-figure paywall-full-content invisible\" contenteditable=\"false\"><span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.seekingalpha.com\/uploads\/2023\/11\/16\/saupload_pimco_aao_browne_sundstrom_sharef_nov2023_chart5_thumb1.ashx\" alt=\"Quality stocks offer attractive risk-adjusted return potential late in the business cycle\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/span><figcaption>\n<p class=\"item-caption\"><span>Source: PIMCO, Compustat, NBER (U.S. National Bureau of Economic Research) as of 24 October 2023.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\"><em>Sharpe ratios, a common measure of risk-adjusted returns, are calculated using data since 1984 and are based on the Fama-French definitions of value, quality, size, and momentum using the S&amp;P 500. Recessions and expansions are defined by NBER.<\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\">We also favor subsectors supported by fiscal measures that may benefit from long-cycle projects and strong secular tailwinds. The U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, for example, supports many clean energy sectors (hydrogen, solar, wind) with meaningful tax credits.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\">On the short side of an equity allocation, we focus on rate-sensitive industries, particularly consumer cyclical sectors such as homebuilders. Autos could also suffer from higher-for-longer; interest rates, but as supply normalizes, we think demand will struggle to keep up.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\">Credit and securitized assets<\/h2>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\">In the credit space, we favor resilience, with an emphasis on relative value opportunities. We remain cautious on corporate credit, though an active focus on individual sectors can help mitigate risks in a downturn. We are underweight lower-quality, floating-rate corporate credit, such as bank loans and certain private assets, which remain the most susceptible to high rates and are already showing signs of strain.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\">In contrast to corporate credit, attractive spreads can be found in mortgages and securitized bonds. We have a high allocation to U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities (MBS), which are high quality, liquid, and trading at very attractive valuations \u2013 see Figure 6. We also see value in senior positions of certain securitized assets such as collateralized loan obligations (CLOs) and collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs).<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\"><strong>Figure 6: MBS investments offer attractive spreads<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\">\n<figure class=\"regular-img-figure paywall-full-content invisible\" contenteditable=\"false\"><span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.seekingalpha.com\/uploads\/2023\/11\/16\/saupload_pimco_aao_browne_sundstrom_sharef_nov2023_chart6_thumb1.ashx\" alt=\"MBS investments offer attractive spreads\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/span><figcaption>\n<p class=\"item-caption\"><span>Source: Bloomberg, PIMCO as of 30 September 2023.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\"><em>\u201c1x rich\u201d and \u201c1x cheap\u201d are defined as 1 standard deviation from average option-adjusted spread (OAS). \u201c2x rich\u201d and \u201c2x cheap\u201d defined as 2 standard deviations from average OAS. The terms \u201ccheap\u201d and \u201crich\u201d as used herein generally refer to a security or asset class that is deemed to be substantially under- or overpriced compared to both its historical average as well as to the investment manager\u2019s future expectations.<\/em><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\">Key takeaway<\/h2>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\">Looking across asset classes, we believe bonds stand out for their strong prospects in the baseline macro outlook as well as for their resilience, diversification, and especially valuation. Given the risks to an expensive equity market, the case for an allocation to high-quality fixed income is compelling.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\"><em><strong>Disclosures<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\"><em><strong>Past performance is not a guarantee or a reliable indicator of future results.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\"><em><strong>All investments <\/strong>contain risk and may lose value. Investing in the <strong>bond market<\/strong> is subject to risks, including market, interest rate, issuer, credit, inflation risk, and liquidity risk. The value of most bonds and bond strategies are impacted by changes in interest rates. Bonds and bond strategies with longer durations tend to be more sensitive and volatile than those with shorter durations; bond prices generally fall as interest rates rise, and low interest rate environments increase this risk. Reductions in bond counterparty capacity may contribute to decreased market liquidity and increased price volatility. Bond investments may be worth more or less than the original cost when redeemed. <strong>Currency rates<\/strong> may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time and may reduce the returns of a portfolio. <strong>Equities<\/strong> may decline in value due to both real and perceived general market, economic, and industry conditions. Investing in <strong>foreign-denominated and\/or -domiciled securities<\/strong> may involve heightened risk due to currency fluctuations, and economic and political risks, which may be enhanced in emerging markets. <strong>High-yield, lower-rated securities<\/strong> involve greater risk than higher-rated securities; portfolios that invest in them may be subject to greater levels of credit and liquidity risk than portfolios that do not. <strong>Mortgage- and asset-backed securities<\/strong> may be sensitive to changes in interest rates, subject to early repayment risk, and while generally supported by a government, government agency, or private guarantor, there is no assurance that the guarantor will meet its obligations. <strong>U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities<\/strong> issued by Ginnie Mae (GNMA) are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government. Securities issued by Freddie Mac (FHLMC) and Fannie Mae (FNMA) provide an agency guarantee of timely repayment of principal and interest but are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. References to Agency and non-agency mortgage-backed securities refer to mortgages issued in the United States. The value of <strong>real estate<\/strong> and portfolios that invest in real estate may fluctuate due to: losses from casualty or condemnation, changes in local and general economic conditions, supply and demand, interest rates, property tax rates, regulatory limitations on rents, zoning laws, and operating expenses. <strong>Bank loans<\/strong> are often less liquid than other types of debt instruments and general market and financial conditions may affect the prepayment of bank loans, as such the prepayments cannot be predicted with accuracy. There is no assurance that the liquidation of any collateral from a secured bank loan would satisfy the borrower\u2019s obligation, or that such collateral could be liquidated. <strong>Diversification<\/strong> does not ensure against loss.<\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\"><em>The correlation of various indexes or securities against one another or against inflation is based upon data over a certain time period. These correlations may vary substantially in the future or over different time periods that can result in greater volatility.<\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\"><em>The terms \u201c<strong>cheap<\/strong>\u201d and \u201c<strong>rich<\/strong>\u201d as used herein generally refer to a security or asset class that is deemed to be substantially under- or overpriced compared to both its historical average as well as to the investment manager\u2019s future expectations. There is no guarantee of future results or that a security\u2019s valuation will ensure a profit or protect against a loss.<\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\"><em><strong>Forecasts, estimates and certain information<\/strong> contained herein are based upon proprietary research and should not be interpreted as investment advice, as an offer or solicitation, nor as the purchase or sale of any financial instrument. Forecasts and estimates have certain inherent limitations, and unlike an actual performance record, do not reflect actual trading, liquidity constraints, fees, and\/or other costs. In addition, references to future results should not be construed as an estimate or promise of results that a client portfolio may achieve.<\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\"><em>The credit quality of a particular security or group of securities does not ensure the stability or safety of an overall portfolio. The quality ratings of individual issues\/issuers are provided to indicate the credit-worthiness of such issues\/issuer and generally range from AAA, Aaa, or AAA (highest) to D, C, or D (lowest) for S&amp;P, Moody\u2019s, and Fitch respectively.<\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\"><em>PIMCO does not provide legal or tax advice. Please consult your tax and\/or legal counsel for specific tax or legal questions and concerns.<\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\"><em>Statements concerning financial market trends or portfolio strategies are based on current market conditions, which will fluctuate. There is no guarantee that these investment strategies will work under all market conditions or are appropriate for all investors and each investor should evaluate their ability to invest for the long term, especially during periods of downturn in the market. Outlook and strategies are subject to change without notice.<\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\"><em>The issuers referenced are examples of issuers PIMCO considers to be well-known and that may fall into the stated sectors. References to specific issuers are not intended and should not be interpreted as recommendations to purchase, sell, or hold securities of those issuers. PIMCO products and strategies may or may not include the securities of the issuers referenced and, if such securities are included, no representation is being made that such securities will continue to be included.<\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\"><em>PIMCO as a general matter provides services to qualified institutions, financial intermediaries, and institutional investors. Individual investors should contact their own financial professional to determine the most appropriate investment options for their financial situation. This material contains the opinions of the manager and such opinions are subject to change without notice. This material has been distributed for informational purposes only and should not be considered as investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security, strategy, or investment product. Information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but not guaranteed. No part of this material may be reproduced in any form, or referred to in any other publication, without express written permission. PIMCO is a trademark of Allianz Asset Management of America LLC in the United States and throughout the world. \u00a92023, PIMCO.<\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\"><em>CMR2023-1107-3212345<\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\"><em>Original Post<\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall-full-content invisible no-summary-bullets\"><strong>Editor&#8217;s Note:<\/strong> The summary bullets for this article were chosen by Seeking Alpha editors.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Read the full article <a href=\"https:\/\/seekingalpha.com\/article\/4652271-prime-time-for-bonds?source=feed_all_articles\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The global economic outlook along with market valuations and asset class fundamentals all lead us to favor fixed income. Relative to equities, we believe bonds have rarely been as attractive as they appear today. After a turbulent couple of years of high inflation and rising rates that challenged portfolios, investors may see a return to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":62485,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"gallery","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[236],"tags":[83],"class_list":["post-85166","post","type-post","status-publish","format-gallery","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-featured","post_format-post-format-gallery"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v20.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Prime Time For Bonds | Seeking Alpha | iFintechWorld<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The global economic outlook along with market valuations and asset class fundamentals all lead us to favor fixed income. 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