Financial Instruments
Factors that affect valuation for both sale of an instrument and “going to trade”.
- Interest Rates: Bond prices are inversely related to interest rates. If central banks continue to raise rates to combat inflation, existing bonds may lose value. Conversely, if rates stabilize or are cut, bond prices may increase, potentially
enhancing stability. - Inflation: Persistent inflation can erode the purchasing power of fixed bond payments, leading to volatility. Investors typically seek bonds that offer yields higher than inflation rates for real returns.
- Economic Outlook: Economic forecasts play a substantial role. A stable or growing economy might lead investors to prefer equities over bonds, while economic uncertainty may cause a flight to safety, benefiting bonds.
- Fiscal Policies: Government borrowing needs and fiscal policies can impact supply and demand dynamics in the bond market. Increased issuance of long-term debt can lead to higher yields if demand doesn’t keep pace.
- redit Risk: For corporate bonds, the creditworthiness of issuers affects stability. Economic downturns can increase default risks, leading investors to demand higher yields for perceived risks.
- Global Events: Geopolitical tensions, global pandemics, or major crises can increase volatility in financial markets, influencing bond market stability.
- nvestor Sentiment: Market sentiment can lead to quick shifts in the bond market. For instance, a perceived increase in risk may lead to a surge in demand for safe-haven assets like government bonds.