May 2024 / FIXED INCOME
The benefits of hedged diversification
Non-U.S. bonds currently offer higher yields on a currency-hedged basis
Key Insights
- Higher yields on hedged non-U.S. dollar bonds and better expectations for rate cuts by non-U.S. developed central banks have created diversification opportunities for U.S. dollar-based investors.
- Our Asset Allocation Committee recently raised exposure to hedged non-U.S. bonds in our U.S.-based multi-asset portfolios.
Investment-grade (IG) bond returns for U.S. investors have been subpar over the past year, as stubborn inflation and a more hawkish U.S. Federal Reserve have pushed yields higher. The Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index returned -0.83% over the year ended April 23, 2024.
Non-U.S. IG bonds also have suffered, with the Bloomberg Global Aggregate ex-USD Bond Index (Global Agg ex-USD) returning -2.82% over the year ended April 23, 2024. However, this loss was primarily due to a strong U.S. dollar. On a U.S. dollar-hedged basis, the Global Agg ex-USD posted a positive 5.59% return.
There are reasons to believe these relative performance trends could continue.
- Although U.S. bond yields generally are higher than yields in other developed markets currently, by hedging their foreign currency exposure, U.S. dollar‑based investors can increase the effective yields on nondollar bonds—giving sovereign bonds in many non-U.S. developed markets a yield advantage over U.S. bonds (Figure 1).
- Non-U.S. bonds also may offer better duration exposure if interest rates fall more rapidly in other developed markets.
Non-U.S. bond yields are higher on a hedged basis
(Fig. 1) USD-hedged 10-year sovereign yields in key developed markets
As of April 23, 2024.
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.
Source: Bloomberg Finance L.P.
U.S. inflation expectations have risen since the start of 2024, which could force the Fed to hold rates “higher for longer” (Figure 2). But expectations for eurozone inflation have declined modestly. This means the European Central Bank (ECB) may have less reason to keep rates at current levels.
Other central banks appear more likely to cut rates
(Fig. 2) Expected 2024 rate reductions priced in to futures markets
December 31, 2023, through April 23, 2024.
Actual outcomes may differ materially from forward estimates.
Source: Bloomberg Finance L.P.
As of early January, futures markets were pricing in a 1.68 percentage point reduction in the Fed’s key policy rate—the federal funds rate—by the end of 2024 (Figure 2). The ECB was only expected to cut rates by 1.53 percentage points.
By April 23, however, markets only expected the Fed to cut rates by 0.44 percentage points before the end of 2024. The ECB, meanwhile, was expected to cut rates by 0.76 percentage points.
Given the currently superior yields on hedged nondollar bonds, and more promising expectations for rate cuts in other developed markets, T. Rowe Price’s Asset Allocation Committee recently raised exposure to hedged non-U.S. bonds in our U.S.-based multi‑asset portfolios.
Important Information
This material is being furnished for general informational and/or marketing purposes only. The material does not constitute or undertake to give advice of any nature, including fiduciary investment advice. Prospective investors are recommended to seek independent legal, financial and tax advice before making any investment decision. T. Rowe Price group of companies including T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. and/or its affiliates receive revenue from T. Rowe Price investment products and services. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The value of an investment and any income from it can go down as well as up. Investors may get back less than the amount invested.
The material does not constitute a distribution, an offer, an invitation, a personal or general recommendation or solicitation to sell or buy any securities in any jurisdiction or to conduct any particular investment activity. The material has not been reviewed by any regulatory authority in any jurisdiction.
Information and opinions presented have been obtained or derived from sources believed to be reliable and current; however, we cannot guarantee the sources’ accuracy or completeness. There is no guarantee that any forecasts made will come to pass. The views contained herein are as of the date written and are subject to change without notice; these views may differ from those of other T. Rowe Price group companies and/or associates. Under no circumstances should the material, in whole or in part, be copied or redistributed without consent from T. Rowe Price.
The material is not intended for use by persons in jurisdictions which prohibit or restrict the distribution of the material and in certain countries the material is provided upon specific request. It is not intended for distribution to retail investors in any jurisdiction.
USA—Issued in the USA by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc., 100 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD, 21202, which is regulated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. For Institutional Investors only.
© 2024 T. Rowe Price. All Rights Reserved. T. ROWE PRICE, INVEST WITH CONFIDENCE, and the Bighorn Sheep design are, collectively and/or apart, trademarks of T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.
Tim Murray is a capital market strategist in the Multi-Asset Division. Tim is a vice president of T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.
