Returns and Volatility of Low-Grade Bonds 1977-1989 (Reprint 005)

Marshall E. Blume, Donald Keim () and Sandeep A. Patel

Rodney L. White Center for Financial Research Working Papers from Wharton School Rodney L. White Center for Financial Research

Abstract: This paper examines the risks and returns of long-term low-grade bonds for the period 1977-1989. We find: (1) Low-grade bonds realized higher returns than higher-grade bonds and lower returns than common stocks. Also, low-grade bonds exhibited less volatility than higher-grade bonds due to their call features and high coupons. (2) There is no relation between the age of low-grade bonds and their realized returns. Cyclical factors explain much of the observed relation between default rates and bond age. (3) Low-grade bonds behave like both bonds and stocks. Despite this complexity, there is no evidence that low-grade bonds are systematically over- or under-priced.

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