The opportunity to earn return-free risk was taken to new heights last week with Toyota Finance Corporation's issuance of 3-year Yen-denominated bonds yielding 0.001%. Not surprisingly, the Toyota bond was issued with the lowest coupon ever for a Japanese company. Toyota appears pretty stingy for not offering at least one basis point of return (cumulatively!) to investors assuming three years of credit and interest rate risk.
Not to be outdone, the European Central Bank (ECB) started buying corporate bonds last week as part of its quantitative easing program (after adding public-sector bonds, covered bonds and asset-backed securities last year). Average yields for eurozone corporate debt as measured by Bank of America Merrill Lynch have now moved below 1%.
Adding fuel to the low-yield fire last week, investors sought safety in government bonds as odds are increasing of a “yes” vote for Brexit. 10-year German government bonds appear ready to cross over into negative yield territory, joining 10-year Swiss and Japanese debt.
This week's chart highlights how much the borrowing costs for the highest rated corporations have declined across the globe during the past 10 years.
Key Takeaway:Fixed income investors are beginning to question just how far global central banks can push with negative interest rate policies (NIRP). Falling under the category of unintended consequences of unprecedented monetary policies, Germany's Commerzbank is considering moving billions of Euros into vaults rather than facing a -0.40% deposit rate with the ECB. At a minimum, investors should prepare for more volatility as central banks send interest rates into uncharted territory.
The material provided here is for informational use only. The views expressed are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Penn Mutual Asset Management.
This material is for informational use only. The views expressed are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Penn Mutual Asset Management. This material is not intended to be relied upon as a forecast, research or investment advice, and it is not a recommendation, offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or to adopt any investment strategy.
Opinions and statements of financial market trends that are based on current market conditions constitute judgment of the author and are subject to change without notice. The information and opinions contained in this material are derived from sources deemed to be reliable but should not be assumed to be accurate or complete. Statements that reflect projections or expectations of future financial or economic performance of the markets may be considered forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ significantly. Any forecasts contained in this material are based on various estimates and assumptions, and there can be no assurance that such estimates or assumptions will prove accurate.
Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. All information referenced in preparation of this material has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness are not guaranteed. There is no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information and Penn Mutual Asset Management shall have no liability for decisions based upon such information.
High-Yield bonds are subject to greater fluctuations in value and risk of loss of income and principal. Investing in higher yielding, lower rated corporate bonds have a greater risk of price fluctuations and loss of principal and income than U.S. Treasury bonds and bills. Government securities offer a higher degree of safety and are guaranteed as to the timely payment of principal and interest if held to maturity.
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