- Co-Head of Multi-Asset Platform
Skip to main content
- Funds
- Insights
- About Us
Singapore, Individual
Changechevron_rightThe views expressed are those of the authors at the time of writing. Other teams may hold different views and make different investment decisions. The value of your investment may become worth more or less than at the time of original investment. While any third-party data used is considered reliable, its accuracy is not guaranteed.
When focusing on income, and especially when seeking to generate even more of it, investors should be mindful of the implicit biases, risks and trade-offs that could arise. In this discussion, we focus on income vs capital return.
Total return is a combination of capital return (the growth of the capital invested) and income return (the interest received on that capital). Looking across asset classes, the relationship between capital return and income return generally changes as the level of income changes. In short, generating higher income in multi-asset portfolios tends to come at the expense of capital return. This does not mean that total return decreases, but rather that the mix of capital and income returns changes. We examined these dynamics for a variety of asset classes since 1995. As shown in the chart, more income doesn’t necessarily mean higher total return.
To understand why this trade-off exists, consider the example of high-yield credit. Investors can potentially increase expected income in their portfolios by adding exposure to higher-yielding bonds, but doing so will increase credit risk. This means they are more likely to experience defaults that lead to a negative capital return. High-yield bonds may also have limited capital return potential as they typically trade below or near their par value, given they typically have short maturities, and many are callable.
For investors seeking income in multi-asset portfolios, it may be prudent to strike a balance between income return and capital return, which can each be important for different reasons. Focusing too heavily on high-income-producing assets may not only limit capital appreciation potential, but may also restrict the opportunity set.
Please refer to www.wellington.com/sg/3rd-party-data for disclaimers regarding any third-party data used.
Experts
Related Fund
Four investment perspectives amid a pivotal US election
How can investors reposition portfolios for a pivotal but highly unpredictable US elections? Nick Samouilhan explores potential avenues in conversation with three leading portfolio managers.
Multiple authors
Massive market sell-off: Justified or an overreaction?
What's behind the global market meltdown, and what should investors consider doing? Global Investment and Multi-Asset Strategist Nanette Abuhoff Jacobson shares her views.
Unlocking investment value in a 3D world
Co-Head of Multi-Asset Strategy Nick Samouilhan explains why focusing on the “three Ds” of divergence, dispersion and disruption could help to uncover investment opportunities while strengthening portfolio resilience.
Exploring active opportunities amid continued regime change
Head of Multi-Asset Strategy, APAC, Nick Samouilhan highlights the importance of focusing on high-quality, well-run companies amid increasing dispersion; diversified regional allocations amid greater divergence; and the disruptive implications of AI.
Income: the hard worker in your portfolio deserves more credit
Income from cash is good but income from bonds is better. In a less certain macro environment, Nick Samouilhan thinks the case for income only gets stronger. How can investors make the most of the opportunities?
Multiple authors
Three ways to elevate your portfolio in 2024
As a new investment era takes shape, where should investors focus their attention in 2024? For multi-asset strategist Nick Samouilhan, three areas are top of mind: higher yields, the importance of stock selection and how to position for structural change.
Three themes (and what they mean) for income investors
With several macro crosscurrents at play, Portfolio Manager Peter Wilke suggests that income-oriented investors not lose sight of the “big picture” in their quest for yield.
Multiple authors
Asia: A growth story with longer-term momentum
Is China’s recovery already running out of steam? Macro Strategist Santiago Millán assesses the outlook for China and Asia and sees longer-term momentum for growth.
Three macro assumptions that could be just plain wrong
Fixed Income Portfolio Manager Brij Khurana offers his non-consensus take on three entrenched, but potentially flawed, beliefs in today's market environment.
By
On to the next crisis: Glimpsing a post-SVB world
Amid the turmoil in the US banking sector, Global Investment Strategist Nanette Abuhoff Jacobson suggests investors consider pivoting to a “risk-management mode” that favors higher-quality assets. (Published 14 March 2023)
SVB collapse: What are the implications?
Multi-Asset Strategist Supriya Menon shares her latest perspectives on the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank Financial Group (SVB) and the unfolding implications for investors. (Published 14 March 2023)
URL References
Related Insights
Past results are not necessarily indicative of future results and an investment can lose value. Funds returns are shown net of fees. Source: Wellington Management
© 2024 Morningstar, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The information contained herein: (1) is proprietary to Morningstar; (2) may not be copied or distributed; and (3) is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. Neither Morningstar nor its content providers are responsible for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information. The Overall Morningstar Rating for a fund is derived from a weighted average of the three, five, and ten year (if applicable) ratings, based on risk-adjusted return. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
The content within this page is issued by Wellington Management Singapore Pte Ltd (UEN: 201415544E) (WMS). This advertisement or publication has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Information contained on this website is provided for information purposes and does not constitute financial advice or recommendation in any security including but not limited to, share in the funds and is prepared without regard to the specific objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular person.
Investment in the funds described on this website carries a substantial degree of risk and places an investor’s capital at risk. The price and value of investments is not guaranteed. The value of the shares of the funds and the income accruing to them, if any, and may fall or rise. An investor may not get back the original amount invested and an investor may lose all of their investment. Investment in the funds described on this website is not suitable for all investors. Investors should read the prospectus and the Product Highlights Sheet of the respective fund and seek financial advice before deciding whether to purchase shares in any fund. Past performance or any economic trends or forecast, are not necessarily indicative of future performance. Some of the funds described on this website may use or invest in financial derivative instruments for portfolio management and hedging purposes. Investments in the funds are subject to investment risks, including the possible loss of the principal amount invested. None of the funds listed on this website guarantees distributions and distributions may fluctuate and may be paid out of capital. Past distributions are not necessarily indicative of future trends, which may be lower. Please note that payment of distributions out of capital effectively amounts to a return or withdrawal of the principal amount invested or of net capital gains attributable to that principal amount. Actual distribution of income, net capital gains and/or capital will be at the manager’s absolute discretion. Payments on dividends may result in a reduction of NAV per share of the funds. The preceding paragraph is only applicable if the fund intends to pay dividends/ distributions. Performance with preliminary charge (sales charge) is calculated on a NAV to NAV basis, net of 5% preliminary charge (initial sales charge). Unless stated otherwise data is as at previous month end.
Subscriptions may only be made on the basis of the latest prospectus and Product Highlights Sheet, and they can be obtained from WMS or fund distributors upon request.
This material may not be reproduced or distributed, in whole or in part, without the express written consent of Wellington Management.
We seek to exceed the investment objectives and service expectations of our fund investors and their advisers worldwide
© Copyright 2024 Wellington Management Singapore Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved.
WELLINGTON MANAGEMENT FUNDS ® is a registered service mark of Wellington Group Holdings LLP.
Wellington Management Singapore Pte. Ltd., a private limited company incorporated in the Republic of Singapore. Address: 8 Marina Boulevard, Tower 1 #03-01 Marina Bay Financial Centre 018981. Licensed and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.