Market Vectors' Fran Rodilosso on the Outlook for Treasurys, High Yield Bonds, and How to Spot Signs of an over-Levered Marketplace

Correlation between Treasuries and high yield corporate bonds has been increasing in recent months, but that should not necessarily be cause for alarm, according to Fran Rodilosso, Fixed Income Portfolio Manager at Market Vectors ETFs.

“Historically, the correlation between high yield bonds and Treasuries has been slightly negative, as high yield debt has generally had a far higher correlation with equities,” said Rodilosso. “However, we are in somewhat uncharted waters at this point. I have never seen interest rates or absolute yields on corporate bonds so low.”

At current levels, high yield bonds are likely to be more sensitive to changes in Treasury yields than they have in the past, according to Rodilosso. “Although I believe there will be greater sensitivity, I do not expect that there will be a one-to-one correlation,” he said. “Despite the all-time low yields in the high yield market, credit spreads are still closer to their historical average than to their lows. That relationship may suggest that high yield still has some cushion against rising Treasury yields, particularly under a slow growth scenario for the U.S. economy.”

Rodilosso also stated that in his opinion, a growing economy leading to moderately higher interest rates should be good for the health of high yield issuers. “Moderately higher rates should not be too much cause for alarm,” added Rodilosso, “but there are some activities that I believe income investors should watch closely such as the amount of leveraged buyout (LBO) or merger and acquisitions (M&A) related-issuance, issues from first time or highly leveraged borrowers, dividend deals, and other signs which were less present in 2011 and 2012 that might indicate there is too much leverage in the market.”

As the Federal Reserve Bank continues to use unprecedented measures to maintain low interest rates, Rodilosso also believes that, at least for the time being, concerns about a near-term interest rate spike are most likely premature. “There still appears to be room for a moderate move higher from present interest rate levels in the near term,” he explained. “But, the risk over the long term is obviously heavily skewed towards an increase in interest rates, and the cost of protecting yourself against such a rise is currently fairly low.“

Mr. Rodilosso has 20 years of experience trading and managing risk in fixed income investment strategies, including 17 years covering emerging markets. Among the Market Vectors ETFs under his watch are Fallen Angel High Yield Bond ETF (NYSE Arca: ANGL), LatAm Aggregate Bond ETF (NYSE Arca: BONO), Emerging Markets Local Currency Bond ETF (NYSE Arca: EMLC), Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF (NYSE Arca: HYEM), International High Yield Bond ETF (NYSE Arca: IHY), Renminbi Bond ETF (NYSE Arca: CHLC) and Investment Grade Floating Rate ETF (NYSE Arca: FLTR). As of December 31, 2012, the total assets for these ETFs amounted to approximately $1.4 billion.

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Please note that the information herein represents the opinion of the portfolio manager and these opinions may change at any time and from time to time. This is not a recommendation to buy or sell any security nor is it intended to be a forecast of future events, a guarantee of future results or investment advice. Current market conditions may not continue. Non-Van Eck Global proprietary information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but not guaranteed.

About Market Vectors ETFs

Market Vectors exchange-traded products have been offered since 2006 and span many asset classes, including equities, fixed income (municipal and international bonds) and currency markets. The Market Vectors family totaled $27.6 billion in assets under management, making it the fifth largest ETP family in the U.S. and eighth largest worldwide as of December 31, 2012.

Market Vectors ETFs are sponsored by Van Eck Global. Founded in 1955, Van Eck Global was among the first U.S. money managers helping investors achieve greater diversification through global investing. Today, the firm continues this tradition by offering innovative, actively managed investment choices in hard assets, emerging markets, precious metals including gold, and other alternative asset classes. Van Eck Global has offices around the world and managed approximately $36.6 billion in investor assets as of December 31, 2012.

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