Fixed income

Offer predictable income stream known at the time of purchase.

Interest payments vary based on bonds that the fund's manager buys and sells, and on current market rates.

Principal protection

The amount of principal (i.e., par value) that will be returned at maturity is known at the time of purchase.

Since bond funds do not mature and their prices change daily (net asset value), there is no way of knowing how much the original investment will be worth when a client decides to redeem the shares.

Costs

One-time commission is paid when a bond is bought and sold.

Expenses are paid annually - certain percentage based on their share of the fund.

Capital gains taxes

Paid only if a bond is sold for profit prior to maturity date.

- Paid if shares are sold for profit
- Paid when a fund's manager sells bonds for profit (Managers buy and sell bonds during the year, capital gains or losses are passed to investors.)

Knowing what you own

Investor knows exactly what bond is bought, its credit rating, coupon rate and maturity date. 100% of the money is invested and earning interest.

Investor only knows the main objective of the bond fund (ex: intermediate-term corporate bond fund). In addition, bond funds are not fully invested, holding cash for administrative needs and redemptions.

Diversification

Several bonds are needed to achieve proper diversification. Remember: do not put all your eggs in one basket (that's with any investment).

Greater diversification is achieved with one investment because funds invest in hundreds of bonds.