Why 10%+ Yields Can Wreck Your Retirement Income

My portfolio goal is sustainable, stress-free income—prioritizing safety over chasing high yields. Even though it might be very tempting, tilting investments towards 10%+ yields is not the smartest thing to do. The historical stock market annual return figure is around 10%, which is very difficult to meet for income investors, who are usually concentrated into fixed income factor (lower return potential).

Seeking Alpha • Dec 7, 2025

HYG: Hold For Carry And A Second Leg Higher If Spreads Stay Tight

HYG (iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF) offers steady carry with limited volatility, tracking the Markit iBoxx USD Liquid High Yield Index. About half the portfolio is pro-cyclical, making HYG sensitive to economic cycles but offering reliable income with 17 years of consecutive dividends. Current macro conditions—narrowing credit spreads, resilient economy, and anticipated rate cuts—support a medium-term outlook for capital gains plus carry.

Seeking Alpha • Dec 4, 2025

Is Your Retirement Income Enough? How I Leveled Up Mine With Covered Call ETFs

Yield for traditional income sources have started to compress. For income-oriented investors, who seek to build a reliable passive income machine it causes a real headache. To hit a certain target income figure, investors have to assume either higher risks, extend time horizon or save/invest more capital.

Seeking Alpha • Dec 3, 2025

The Big 3: GS, HYG, AMZN

The theme of Don Kaufman's (@Theotrade) Big 3 revolves around what he considers shaky all-time highs. He explains how "financial plumbing issues" will create a flush in Goldman Sachs (GS) and the iShares iBoxx High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (HYG), and how Amazon (AMZN) ran too high on A.I.

Junk Bonds Are Less Junky. But You Still Must Be Careful.

Corporate bonds that are below investment grade status may be less likely to default now. But investors still need to be careful.

Barrons • Oct 9, 2025

2 Income Powerhouses Entering Deep Bargain Territory

The current economic environment is marked by persistent inflation and a weakening labor market, raising uncertainty and risk for investors. Despite these risks, large-cap equities, tech stocks, and high-yield credit continue to climb, defying expectations of repricing. Income-focused assets like real estate, financials, dividend growth (SCHD), and quality CEFs (UTG, PDI) now offer lower yields as well.

Seeking Alpha • Sep 24, 2025

HYG ETF flips SCHD: Is it a good income fund to buy?

The iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (HYG) is doing relatively well this year, and is hovering at its all-time high as demand among investors jumped. HYG stock was trading at $81.23, up by 10% above the lowest level this year.

Invezz • Sep 19, 2025

PFF Vs. HYG: Preferreds Stand To Gain More Than High-Yield At This Juncture

iShares Preferred and Income Securities ETF (PFF) is favored over iShares High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (HYG) as the Fed has entered an easing cycle. PFF offers higher yield, better credit quality, and lower fees than HYG, with recent outperformance driven by expectations of falling rates and economic uncertainty. PFF's sector concentration in financials and lower diversification present risks, but Fed stress tests show banks are well-capitalized for downturns.

Seeking Alpha • Sep 18, 2025

Where I'm Stashing My Retirement Income Cash Right Now (And Why)

Pessimistic market sentiment often creates generational buying opportunities. Legendary investors like Warren Buffett have made fortunes by being greedy when others are fearful. Unfortunately, while the data points provide a ground for being fearful, the market is still greedy. We could make a case for experiencing 'the everything bubble'.

Seeking Alpha • Sep 12, 2025

Corporate Credit Spread Complacency: Neutral IGSB, Bearish HYG, Bullish IEF

Sovereign risks are evident and corporate earnings have impressed. However, these are known factors – it's time to look ahead. We remain bearish high yield credit, with the spread between high yield-to-investment grade narrowing toward the -1 sigma boundary. Fundamentals in high yield credit have probably struck an inflection point. Investment grade fundamentals seem better-off. However, credit spreads are exceptionally narrow.

Seeking Alpha • Sep 4, 2025