Bonds Shine with Fed's "Higher for Longer" Call

<p>As the Federal Reserve continues to send the message that interest rates will stay elevated well into 2024, bond yields are the highest they have been in more than 15 years. In this episode, host Mike Townsend welcomes Kathy Jones, chief fixed income strategist at the Schwab Center for Financial Research, to get her perspective on how bond investors can take advantage of what some are calling a once-in-a-generation opportunity. They discuss individual bonds vs. bond funds, corporate bonds, municipal bonds, and Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS). Kathy offers her perspective on the latest Fed action and how the Fed may react if a government shutdown curtails its access to key economic data in the coming weeks. She also offers her considerations for how to make bonds part of a well-diversified portfolio, whether you are a long-time fixed income investor or a newcomer to the world of bond investing. </p><p>In addition, Mike provides the latest on the scramble on Capitol Hill to avert a government shutdown and looks at some of the implications of a shutdown for investors. He also takes a look at a new SEC rule that seeks to help investors understand what they are getting by requiring mutual fund and exchange-traded fund names better align with their goals and strategies.</p><p><i>WashingtonWise </i>is an original podcast for investors from <a href="https://www.schwab.com/">Charles Schwab</a>. For more on the series, visit <a href="https://www.schwab.com/washingtonwise">Schwab.com/WashingtonWise</a>.</p><p>If you enjoy the show, please leave a ★★★★★ rating or review on <a href="http://getpodcast.reviews/id/1478013779">Apple Podcasts</a>. </p><p> </p><p><strong>Important Disclosures</strong></p><p><strong>Investors should consider carefully information contained in the prospectus or, if available, the summary prospectus, including investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses. You can request a prospectus by calling Schwab at 1-800-435-4000. Please read it carefully before investing.</strong></p><p