Core Insights - The U.S. bond market has shown resilience and record-breaking activity in 2025, with the Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index returning approximately 7.1% year to date, highlighting the importance of fixed income in investment portfolios [1][10] Bond ETF Market Performance - Bond ETFs captured about one-third of the nearly $1 trillion that flowed into all ETFs in 2025, indicating a significant increase in investor interest, particularly in passively managed ETFs [2][10] - The performance of bond ETFs was influenced by attractive starting yields due to the Federal Reserve's rate cuts totaling 175 basis points since September 2024, which left yields relatively high [6][10] - Market volatility and demand for liquidity during uncertain periods, such as tariff-driven uncertainty, enhanced the appeal of bond ETFs as they provided intraday pricing and liquidity [7] - Actively managed bond ETFs experienced explosive growth, capturing over $100 billion in flows, which accounted for 40% of all fixed income ETF flows as of September 2025 [8] - The normalization of the yield curve attracted significant capital into intermediate and long-term bond ETFs, as investors sought to lock in higher yields [9] 2026 Outlook for Bond ETFs - The outlook for bond ETFs in 2026 is cautiously optimistic, driven by expected interest rate cuts that typically boost bond prices, creating opportunities for income and diversification [11] - Persistent volatility due to inflation and uneven growth suggests that flexible, active management strategies will be favored to navigate credit risk and shifting rates [11] - A well-constructed actively managed portfolio of intermediate maturity bonds may offer capital appreciation and inflation-beating returns in 2026 [12] Recommended Bond ETFs for 2026 - Schwab Core Bond ETF (SCCR) has assets of $1.07 billion, gained 6.2% year to date, and charges 16 basis points in fees [14] - Vanguard Core Bond ETF (VCRB) has assets of $4.8 billion, gained 7.4% year to date, and charges 10 basis points in fees [15] - JPMorgan Active Bond ETF (JBND) has assets of $4.7 billion, surged 8% year to date, and charges 25 basis points in fees [16]

Recent volatility in the Treasury market doesn't mean bonds can't offer benefits to investors. On this episode of Market Sense, a Fidelity portfolio manager who specializes in fixed income explains why the current climate of higher yields and the potential for lower interest rates could deliver attractive returns. Plus, we dig into all the latest market headlines and trade news. Topics covered: • Bond opportunities • Bond ETFs • Active and passive bond funds 01:18: Middle East Conflict 02:50: Federal Reserv ...