Need a Fixed Income Boost?

   

Investors that seek to boost investment income might consider tactical high yield strategies, as they have historically offered attractive cash flows and a strong risk-reward profile. Any investment that seeks higher returns carries additional risk. What may distinguish tactical high yield investing from other higher-income opportunities, however, is that it explicitly seeks to actively manage the additional risk through systematic trend-following signals. While following these signals can lead to increased trading costs and challenged performance in sideways, volatile markets, and while no strategy is guaranteed to repeat its past results, empirical research has shown the strategy may be viable for investors with longer time horizons.

Tactical trend following in high yield credit seeks to boost income, specifically when trends favor a “risk-on” position in high yield. High yield bonds tend to pay larger coupons than investment grade bonds to compensate for their greater risk. This added yield has the potential to benefit investors who prize cash flow or whose strategies involve reinvestment of income.

Tactical high yield strategies prioritize risk mitigation and potential downside, targeting high risk adjusted returns. In stressed markets, these strategies target a “risk-off” posture, investing in lower-yielding short-term Treasuries or cash. If high yield bonds enter prolonged downturns, investors using tactical trend following strategies may experience a reduction in investment yields. However, this risk-off posture aims to help mitigate drawdowns, facilitating opportunistic investment when assets may be cheap on a fundamental basis.

Yield Comparison – Trend Following in High Yield vs. Buy and Hold Investment Grade Corporate Credit

Average Yield Comparison Table
Source: Bloomberg. The High Yield Trend Strategy models a 200-day moving average trend strategy that invests in the Bloomberg Barclays US Corporate High Yield Bond Index when it is above its 200-day moving average and otherwise in 3-5 Year U.S. Treasuries. The Investment Grade Corporate Credit Yield is measured as the Bloomberg Barclays US Corporate Total Return Index.

The chart above compares the historical yields of a traditional buy-and-hold strategy in investment-grade corporate credit to that of a strategy that tactically invests in high yield corporate debt. The High Yield Trend Strategy Yield, represented in bright green, pivots between high yield corporate credit when the total return index is above its 200-day moving average (“Risk On”), and otherwise invests in short-term Treasury securities (“Risk Off”). The average yield for each strategy is the simple average yield over the time period shown. For the tactical strategy, the average yield reflects all yields, including both when the strategy is “Risk On,” and when it is “Risk Off.”

Tactical High Yield Strategy vs. Passive Investment Grade Bond Investment

The “200 DMA strategy” earns the return on the Bloomberg Barclays US Corporate High Yield Bond Index when the index closed the previous day above its 200-day moving average. Otherwise, it earns the return on 3-5 Year U.S. Treasuries. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Investors looking for the potential to boost fixed income returns might consider tactical trend following in high yield credit. The strategy can help investors target higher fixed income returns while explicitly targeting a reduction in portfolio drawdowns, potentially addressing some of the downside risk associated with investment in high yield credit. For advisors who value liquidity and the opportunity to reinvest their income, historically the strategy has shown a cash flow profile that can make it an attractive option. Additionally, due to its return profile relative to risk, the strategy may also be suitable for a wide variety of investment portfolios and risk tolerances.

Important Risk Information

Investments cannot be made in an index. Unmanaged index returns do not reflect any fees, expenses or sales charges.  Past performance is no guarantee of future results.  There is no guarantee that any investment will achieve its objectives, generate positive returns, or avoid losses.  The Adviser’s reliance on its strategy and judgments about the attractiveness, value and potential appreciation of particular securities and the tactical allocation among investments may prove to be incorrect and may not produce the desired results. No level of diversification can ensure profits or guarantee against loss.

The material provided herein has been provided by Counterpoint Mutual Funds, LLC., and is for informational purposes only.  Counterpoint Mutual Funds, LLC., serves as investment adviser to one or more mutual funds distributed through Northern Lights Distributors, LLC member FINRA/SIPC. Northern Lights Distributors, LLC and Counterpoint Mutual Funds, LLC., are not affiliated entities.

8167-NLD-11/18/2020

Recent Perspectives

Mutual Funds involve risk including the possible loss of principal. Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the funds managed by Counterpoint Funds. This and other important information about the funds is available in their prospectuses, which can be obtained at counterpointfunds.com or by calling 844-273-8637. The prospectuses should be read carefully before investing. The Counterpoint Funds fund family is distributed by Northern Lights Distributors, LLC member FINRA/SIPC. To reach the Counterpoint sales team, please refer to our contact page.

5516-NLD-09/01/2021

 

 

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