Are derivatives hiding risk in your bond portfolio?

JUN 01, 2017

Derivatives can be useful tools when used strategically. What investors need to know.

Derivatives do not, on their own, have value. By definition they derive their value from the price of another asset. They can be valuable tools in modifying the risk profile of a portfolio, but in our view should not be used as the basis of an investment portfolio. Investors should be aware of where their risk is coming from, including the use of derivatives. Learn more about how Gene Tannuzzo views derivatives.

Download transcript

The views expressed are as of November 2016, may change as market or other conditions change and may differ from views expressed by other Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (CMIA) associates or affiliates. Actual investments or investment decisions made by CMIA and its affiliates, whether for its own account or on behalf of clients, may not necessarily reflect the views expressed. This information is not intended to provide investment advice and does not take into consideration individual investor circumstances. Investment decisions should always be made based on an investor's specific financial needs, objectives, goals, time horizon and risk tolerance. Asset classes described may not be suitable for all investors. Past performance does not guarantee future results, and no forecast should be considered a guarantee either. Since economic and market conditions change frequently, there can be no assurance that the trends described here will continue or that any forecasts are accurate. Investing in derivatives is a specialized activity that involves special risks that subject the portfolio to significant loss potential, including when used as leverage, and may result in greater fluctuation in portfolio value. There are risks associated with fixed-income investments, including credit risk, interest rate risk, and prepayment and extension risk. In general, bond prices rise when interest rates fall and vice versa. This effect is usually more pronounced for longer term securities. Investment products are not federally or FDIC-insured, deposits or obligations of or guaranteed by any financial institution and involve risks, including possible loss of principal and fluctuation in value. Securities products offered through Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc., member FINRA. Advisory services provided by Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC. Columbia Threadneedle Investments (Columbia Threadneedle) is the global brand name of the Columbia and Threadneedle group of companies. &Copy;2016 Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC. All rights reserved. 1650354

Latest News

Investors win lawsuit against Atlanta B-D over tax shelter investment, potentially a first
Investors win lawsuit against Atlanta B-D over tax shelter investment, potentially a first

InvestmentNews reported in 2017 that the IRS was scrutinizing the tax shelter land deals, called syndication conservation easements.

Pontera unveils non-discretionary advice tools in continued retirement platform buildout
Pontera unveils non-discretionary advice tools in continued retirement platform buildout

Advisors gain a second workflow for 401(k) guidance as the fintech expands beyond bulk rebalancing, backed by new policy research on advice access.

HSA balances hit record high, but are clients using them wrong?
HSA balances hit record high, but are clients using them wrong?

New data shows most people do not have enough saved to cover costs and are not fully utilizing their accounts.

Advisor moves: LPL, Cetera, Raymond James, NewEdge Wealth
Advisor moves: LPL, Cetera, Raymond James, NewEdge Wealth

Firms announce new recruits this week, with teams overseeing hundreds of millions in client assets switching affiliations.

Stratos Wealth adds $400M with RPI Financial Life Planners
Stratos Wealth adds $400M with RPI Financial Life Planners

It’s the 12th deal for Stratos since SEI's investment and follows 11 acquisitions worth $4.8B in 2025.

SPONSORED Direct indexing webinar targets tax-loss harvesting amid market swings

Northern Trust’s Ken Lassner shows advisors how to convert volatility into after-tax portfolio gains

SPONSORED Who builds the income when the pension disappears?

Dan Biagini of American Equity says the steady decline of pensions, longer lifespans and a reset in interest rates are rewriting how advisors build retirement income