Despite volatility over the summer, high yield bond funds continue to attract investors searching for yield in what is a difficult environment for fixed income in general

Absolute return fixed income funds tend to be unconstrained by benchmarks and therefore offer managers the flexibility to outperform, but investors need to be aware of the different strategies

Emerging market bonds have always been volatile and the Fed’s comments about the end of QE saw large numbers of retail investors flee the asset class. But there is a sense the market overreacted and the sell off has created a buying opportunity

As Fed chairman Bernanke set out the case for phasing out all quantitative easing by the middle of next year, what does this mean for the fixed income markets and the role of bonds in private investors’ portfolios?

Fixed income can still play a vital role in client portfolios when combined with other asset classes, but to get the most out of bonds any exposure must be managed in an active manner

In historical terms, corporate bond yields are at record lows, but with returns from cash and sovereign debt even lower the asset class continues to attract investors

The size and diversity of global fixed income markets can be confusing for investors, but when looking for managers they should seek those who combine top-down and bottom-up approaches in their funds

Both top-down and bottom-up analysis are key when considering allocations to emerging market corporate bonds, while investors should tread carefully when it comes to high yield