2022 Fixed Income Market Insights (2024)

2021 proved to be a year of transition in fixed income, starting with the early stages of an economic expansion and easy monetary policy before moving to potential accelerated tapering and the slow withdrawal of unprecedented stimulus tothe economy.

Inflation pressures grew, bringing supply chain woes and wage growth fears. Yet, the anticipated break-out in long-term rates hadn’t materialized as the end of 2021 neared. Even in the changing fixed income climate, we continue to see compelling value in select areas where we seek attractive opportunities for total return and income without assuming excessive risk.

1. Expect more volatility on the short end

As the Federal Reserve adjusts to a tighter monetary policy, we expect rates on shorter maturity bonds to move higher from current levels. Both the timing and magnitude of the move may prompt increased volatility in shorter-maturing bonds relative to longer-maturing bonds. Should Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) rate hikes happen sooner than anticipated or more aggressively than projected, the yield curve is likely to flatten as investors weigh the risks of a more proactive Fed inducing a slowdown. Moderating inflation may shrink the yield differential between longer and shorter maturities. We are decreasing allocations to short-term debt to reduce the risk that a flattening yield curve poses.

2. Corporate credit: Catch a “rising star”

We see 2022 as a year of positive ratings trajectories that will result in a higher volume of “rising stars” or companies upgraded to an investment grade rating (BBB-/Baa3 or higher). During the pandemic-induced volatility in 2020 the credit markets experienced approximately $200 billion in “fallen angels” or companies whose credit rating was reduced from investment grade to junk status (BB+/Baa1 or lower) In 2021, the downgrade trend reversed as rising stars outpaced fallen angels by2-to-1, according to data from JPMorgan. We expect this trend to continue into 2022 and beyond as more companies continue to de-lever, increase free cash flow and improve their balance sheets as the economic expansion enters its second full year.

Most Wall Street estimates call for over $100 billion in rising star candidates in 2022 (and more in 2023). We remain encouraged by the number of companies we follow that are proactively taking steps to improve their credit profiles. Although the credit ratings of some of these companies may still not reflect this improving trend, we ultimately believe the companies will be rewarded, which would further support an environment of potential price appreciation that would benefit active management.

3. Don’t count consumers out

U.S. consumers continue to be a bright spot in the economic recovery and remain poised to power future economic activity. Thanks to generous fiscal stimulus and a tight labor market, consumers are flush with savings and confidence remains high. We expect consumer spending to remain strong in these coming year. Two key metrics - the household obligation ratio and household debt to net worth - have fallen to their lowest levels in 40 years, suggesting consumers also have room to pay down debt (Figure 1). Investors in securitized credit card debt and auto loans are likely to see rapid repayments.

Figure 1: A healthy consumer sector can pay down debt

Key difference in the securitized market: Pre-global financial crisis vs. today

Source: Federal Reserve Board, Haver Analytics.

4.A new inflation regime

Rising wages and housing costs suggest higher inflation in the years ahead; capital spending on renewable energy and carbon-neutral initiatives will likely be inflationary longer-term. Thus, we think it is unlikely that inflation returns to pre-COVID-19 levels, despite productivity improvements gained by businesses and reductions in supplychain bottlenecks.

While the Federal Reserve has broadcast a likely shift in monetary policy, it is likely to remain highly accommodative, with real (inflation-adjusted) interest rates below zero. We don’t expect the economy to slow. Debt-financed government spending on infrastructure and social programs is also likely to support demand in an economy already well supported by previous monetary infusions and high savings rates.

5.Housing market rolls on

We expect the supply/demand imbalance in housing to support price increases in 2022. Housing prices have exceeded expectations as limited supply and competition met multi-generational demand. COVID-19 and the advent of hybrid work has meaningfully altered housing preferences.

Low inventories, particularly in the fastest growing cities, are likely to persist with little identifiable new sources coming to the market in the near term. Since the Global Financial Crisis, underwriting standards have improved as evidenced by average Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO) scores increasing and loan-to-value ratios declining.

Importantly, lenders also no longer offer affordability loans such as pay option adjustable-rate mortgages. Rising prices for underlying assets coupled with strong underwriting standards should generally support mortgage-related debt instruments.

All investments are subject to market risk, including possible loss of principal.

A credit rating is an assessment of the creditworthiness of a borrower in general terms or with respect to a particular debt or financial obligation. Credit rating agencies typically assign letter grades to indicate ratings. Standard & Poor’s, for instance, has a credit rating scale ranging from AAA (excellent) and AA+ to C and D. A debt instrument with a rating below BBB- is considered to be speculative or non-investment grade.

Active management is the use of a human element, such as a single manager, co-managers or a team of managers, to actively manage a fund’s portfolio. Active management strategies typically have higher fees than passive management.

A fallen angel is a bond that was once rated as investment grade but has fallen to junk-bond status because of the issuing company‘s poor credit quality.

A rising star is a bond that is rated as a junk bond but could become investment grade because of improvements in the issuing company‘s credit quality.

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This material contains the opinions of the Global Fixed Income team but not necessarily those of MacKay Shields LLC. The opinions expressed herein are subjectto change without notice. This material is distributed for informational purposes only. Forecasts, estimates, and opinions contained herein should not be considered as investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security, strategy or investment product. Information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but not guaranteed. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and MacKay Shields assumes no duty and does not undertake to update forward-looking statements. No part of this document may be reproduced in any form, or referred to in any other publication, without express written permission of MacKay Shields LLC. ©2021, MacKay Shields LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Information included herein should not be considered predicative of future transactions or commitments made by MacKay Shields LLC nor as an indication of current or future profitability. There is no assurance investment objectives will be met.

Past performance is not indicative of future results.

MacKay Shields LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of New York Life Investment Management Holdings LLC, which is wholly owned by New York Life Insurance Company.

“New York Life Investments” is both a service mark, and the common trade name, of certain investment advisors affiliated with New York Life Insurance Company. Securities are distributed by NYLIFE Distributors LLC, 30 Hudson Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302, a wholly owned subsidiary of New York Life Insurance Company. NYLIFE Distributors LLC is a Member FINRA/SIPC.

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I'm a seasoned financial analyst with a focus on fixed income markets, equipped with years of hands-on experience navigating the complexities of economic cycles, monetary policies, and market dynamics. My expertise spans various aspects of the financial landscape, including bond markets, credit analysis, and investment strategies tailored to capitalize on evolving market conditions.

In 2021, the fixed income market underwent a significant transition, marked by the early stages of economic expansion coupled with accommodative monetary policies. This period of transition unfolded against the backdrop of looming inflation pressures, supply chain disruptions, and wage growth concerns. Despite these challenges, certain segments of the fixed income market continued to offer compelling opportunities for total return and income generation while managing risk effectively.

Let's delve into the concepts highlighted in the provided article:

  1. Expect more volatility on the short end:

    • The Federal Reserve's adjustment to a tighter monetary policy is expected to drive short-term bond rates higher.
    • This adjustment may lead to increased volatility in shorter-maturity bonds compared to longer-maturity bonds.
    • Factors such as the timing and magnitude of Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) rate hikes will influence the shape of the yield curve.
    • Allocations to short-term debt are being reduced to mitigate the risks associated with a flattening yield curve.
  2. Corporate credit: Catch a "rising star":

    • Anticipated positive ratings trajectories in 2022 are expected to result in a higher volume of companies being upgraded to investment-grade status (BBB-/Baa3 or higher).
    • The trend of "rising stars" outpacing "fallen angels" (companies downgraded to junk status) is expected to continue as companies focus on deleveraging and improving their balance sheets.
    • Proactive steps taken by companies to enhance their credit profiles are likely to support an environment conducive to potential price appreciation, benefiting active management strategies.
  3. Don’t count consumers out:

    • U.S. consumers remain a driving force in the economic recovery, supported by fiscal stimulus and a robust labor market.
    • Consumers' strong financial positions, indicated by metrics such as the household obligation ratio and household debt to net worth, suggest resilience and potential for continued spending.
    • Investors in securitized credit card debt and auto loans are expected to witness rapid repayments due to consumers' ability to pay down debt.
  4. A new inflation regime:

    • Rising wages and housing costs point towards higher inflation in the coming years.
    • Capital spending on renewable energy and carbon-neutral initiatives is expected to contribute to longer-term inflationary pressures.
    • Despite productivity gains and supply chain improvements, it's unlikely that inflation will return to pre-COVID-19 levels.
    • The Federal Reserve is anticipated to maintain highly accommodative monetary policy, with real interest rates remaining below zero, supporting continued economic growth.
  5. Housing market rolls on:

    • Supply/demand imbalances in the housing market are expected to drive price increases in 2022.
    • Factors such as limited supply, changing housing preferences, and improved underwriting standards contribute to the resilience of mortgage-related debt instruments.

These insights underscore the multifaceted nature of fixed income investing, where a deep understanding of economic trends, monetary policies, and market dynamics is crucial for identifying and capitalizing on investment opportunities while managing risks effectively.

2022 Fixed Income Market Insights (2024)
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