With historically low interest rates and the unprecedented monetary and fiscal stimulus measures taken to combat the market downturn of 2008–2009, many believe that the Fed has no choice but to begin raising interest rates in the near future. That is a normal course of action and signals that the Fed believes the economy is on sounder footing. Yet, the prospect of rising interest rates provides much consternation for bond investors, who may be disserved by such action. In this paper, we seek to analyze recent periods of rising interest rates, evaluate how bonds performed and dispel myths that bonds make for a poor investment in these periods. Understanding Bond.
