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August 13, 2012 at 06:17 AM
Over the past several weeks we’ve been discussing my favorite mutual funds. These funds were selected based on an in-depth, in-house analysis; last week I shared my favorite funds that invest in TIPS and mortgage-backed securities (MBS). This week, we’ll continue with the bond category, or more specifically, we’ll look at my picks in the convertible, high yield, and non-traditional space.
Convertibles
This is one of those bond categories that I use on occasion primarily because it has a strong correlation with stocks, hence, it may not provide a great deal of diversification. My choice here is Invesco Convertible Securities Y (CNSDX). With over a decade under its belt, current management has done a pretty good job, especially over the past six years. With a favorable risk/return profile and modest expense ratio, this fund deserves a look.
I should mention that I also like the Vanguard Convertible Securities Inv (VCVSX).
High Yield
This is a category that I frequently avoid. When the economy slows, defaults tend to rise, which hurts high-yield offerings. I have a couple of picks here. They are Ivy High Income I (IVHIX) and Federated High Yield Bond Inst (FIHBX). Over the trailing three-, five- and 10- year periods, the Ivy offering has a Morningstar Risk profile of “low,” “below average,” and “low.” IVHIX‘s return profile over the same periods is “above average,” “high,” and “above average.” Expenses are reasonable, its Sharpe ratio is good and its management has been in place for six-and-a-half years.
