In Search of Income-International Bond Funds

Some foreign governments may offer a higher interest rate on their bonds than the US government does. Additionally, some foreign corporations might offer a higher interest rate than the US companies. For investors, this could be an opportunity to diversify in an area that offers potentially higher returns.

Also, international bond funds can provide diversification and potentially higher returns. International bond funds invest primarily in bonds issued by foreign governments and corporations. There are different types of international bond funds-single country, single region, global (which includes US bonds), and foreign (no US bonds included). There are also industry and sector funds-utilities, government, telecommunications, and so forth.

What are some other reasons to consider international bond investments? Interest rates can move in different directions throughout other parts of the world. For instance, when US rates are low, rates in other stable countries may be higher. The same could happen to movements in the stock markets. Of course, the opposite could also come about.

When you buy international bonds or bond fund shares you are opting for the potential of higher returns in exchange for accepting some additional risks. For example, foreign markets are often more volatile than the U.S. markets. These investments involve other special risks, including currency exchange, political and economic uncertainties as well. Professional managers can sometimes help to mitigate these risks by monitoring international market developments and by adopting strategies to hedge against currency exchange rates. However, the additional time involved in managing these risks will usually result in higher management fees.

There are also international bond funds that invest in the area of emerging market bonds. Investing in emerging markets involves greater risk and potential reward than investing in more established markets. These markets tend to help when trade barriers are reduced (as is the case with NAFTA), or when privatization occurs in formerly communist or socialist countries. However, the risks associated with emerging markets include the risks relating to the relatively smaller size and lesser liquidity of these markets, high inflation rates, and also adverse political developments.

Investing a small percentage of your assets in international bond funds could potentially increase your income by giving you the opportunity to profit from growth in other economies. However, you should have a complete understanding of the associated risks of these investments.

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