Barbell strategy

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In finance, a Barbell strategy is formed when a Trader invests in Long and Short duration bonds, but does not invest in the intermediate duration bonds. This strategy is useful when interest rates are rising; as the short term maturities are rolled over they receive a higher interest rate, raising the value.[1] The opposite strategy is referred to as the Bullet strategy.

Concept

A barbell strategy is one of several different types of portfolio strategies that is designed to create a reasonable return on the investments that are part of the asset portfolio. Essentially, the barbell strategy is built around the concept of focusing on the maturities of the securities in the portfolio by making sure the maturity dates are either very close or at a distant date. It is similar to the laddered approach.[2]

Application

The key to employing a barbell strategy is seeking to include bonds and other securities set to mature either in the short term or the long term. While it is always a good idea to include a mix of investments with a variety of maturation dates, this approach concentrates those dates at opposite ends of the spectrum. This means that two blocks or groups are created within the portfolio, rather than having securities that mature consistently from one period to the next.[3]

Benefits

The barbell strategy allows for a quick turnover of a significant amount of the assets in the portfolio at one time. For example, attention should be paid to the block of short-term investments, so they can all be rolled over into new short-term investments as they reach maturity. Typically, this leads to an increase in the value of the investments that are turned over, thus increasing the overall value of the investment portfolio.[4]

Theoretical Results

Under simplistic assumptions about forward rates, a bar-bell portfolio comprising only the shortest dated bond and the longest on offer has been shown to maximize modified excess return. [5]

External links

References

  1. ↑ Cohen, Marilyn. "The Barbell Strategy". Forbes.com. Retrieved 19 March 2012. 
  2. ↑ Adams, Katie. "How do I use a barbell strategy?". Investopedia. Retrieved 19 March 2012. 
  3. ↑ Smith, Jim. "The Barbell Investment Strategy". The College Investor. Retrieved 19 March 2012. 
  4. ↑ Cohen, Marilyn. [http://www.forbes.com/forbes/2005/0509/144.html, "The Barbell Strategy"]. Forbes.com. Retrieved 19 March 2012. 
  5. ↑ Cotton, Peter. "When A Bar-Bell Bond Portfolio Optimizes Modified Excess Return". Retrieved 20 June 2013. 


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