Money

The marketplace for all your bonds needs

Published

1 year ago

November 23, 2022

If you thought the stock market was big, the bond market is even bigger! This is because the global exchanging of debt securities has a vast range of maturities and credit ratings.

And although many investors ‘ignore’ the bond market (they may not completely understand how it works, or are turned away because of the lower, fixed returns compared to the potential of stocks) it is crucial to understand its place in the investing scheme of things, and how you can benefit from it.

For example, while the Fed and most other central banks are increasing interest rates, the Central Bank of China recently cut its interest rate. Which means that not all economies agree on global interest rate decisions, and that could influence more diverse fixed income opportunities. And investors need greater choice and flexibility when determining whether to increase their portfolio allocations to bonds.

If you are considering bonds, Interactive Brokers is the place to head to, with the availability of over ONE MILLION bond types and options.

From corporate bonds, to US government securities, to non-US sovereign bonds, investors are able to find better-suited choices via the Bond Search Tool.

Investors can compare available options by maturity date, coupon, yield and rating, and even go as far as filtering by country of issuer, currency or industry.

This can make it easy to choose the right bond product, and allocate capital towards it.

The Bond Search Tool also allows an investor to compare yields against those of other brokers, to see if you are getting the lowest priced bonds, with the most transparent pricing.

And speaking of pricing, IBKR has no mark-ups or built-in spreads, and has low and transparent commissions.

Treasury bills, notes and bonds: 0.2 bps for the first USD$1 million of face value, plus 0.01 bps for face value above USD$1m.

Corporate bonds: 10 bps for the first USD$10,000 of face value, plus 2.5 bps for face value above USD$10,000.

Municipal bonds: 5 bps for the first USD$10,000 of face value, plus 1.25 bps for face value above USD$10,000 trade directly with other IBKR advisors and clients

You can even trade directly with other IBKR clients. It’s no wonder that Interactive Brokers was rated Best Online Broker for Bonds by Benzinga for a second consecutive year.

Money

Tech giants drive global mega-cap surge amid inflation relief

Published

15 hours ago

December 1, 2023

ticker NEWS

Tech giants have taken the lead in propelling global mega-cap stocks to new heights.

This surge comes as a welcome relief for investors who have been closely monitoring the impact of rising inflation on the financial markets.

The tech sector, including giants like Apple, Amazon, and Microsoft, has been instrumental in driving the rally. These companies have reported robust earnings and strong growth prospects, which has boosted investor confidence. As a result, the market capitalization of these tech behemoths has reached unprecedented levels, contributing significantly to the overall rise in global mega-cap stocks.

The easing of inflationary pressures has played a pivotal role in this resurgence. Central banks’ efforts to tame inflation through monetary policy adjustments have begun to bear fruit, reassuring investors and stabilizing financial markets. As concerns over rapidly increasing prices recede, investors have become more willing to invest in mega-cap stocks, particularly in the tech sector, which has demonstrated resilience in the face of economic challenges.

Will the tech giants maintain their momentum and continue to lead the mega-cap surge, or are there potential risks on the horizon?

Money

Real reason bosses want employers back in the office

Published

2 days ago

November 30, 2023

ticker NEWS

As the world gradually recovers from the pandemic, employers are increasingly pushing for their staff to return to the office after years of remote work.

The driving force behind this push is the sharp decline in commercial property values, which has left many businesses concerned about their real estate investments.

Commercial property values have plunged in the wake of the pandemic, with many companies downsizing or reconsidering their office space needs.

This has put pressure on employers to reevaluate their remote work policies and encourage employees to return to the office. #featured

Money

Businesses cash in on Black Friday sales

Published

2 days ago

November 30, 2023

ticker NEWS

Black Friday, the annual shopping frenzy, has become a global phenomenon rooted in economic strategies.

Retailers deploy various tactics to lure consumers, creating a win-win scenario for both shoppers and businesses.

The concept of Black Friday traces its roots to the United States, where it marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season. Retailers offer significant discounts on a wide range of products to attract a massive customer influx. This strategy, known as loss leader pricing, involves selling a few products at a loss to entice customers into stores, hoping they will buy other items at regular prices.

Retailers also employ the scarcity principle by advertising limited-time offers and doorbuster deals. This sense of urgency compels consumers to make quick decisions, boosting sales.

Furthermore, online shopping has revolutionized Black Friday economics. E-commerce giants use data analytics to customize deals, targeting individual preferences. Cyber Monday, the digital counterpart to Black Friday, capitalizes on the convenience of online shopping. #featured