The Fundamentals Of Gilts – What They Are And Factors To Consider

Introduction – What is a Gilt?

Government bonds, commonly known as Gilts, have been a long staple in investment selection and portfolio construction. Essentially they are an ‘I.O.U’ to the government.

A UK Gilt normally issues at par (£100) per gilt and promises to provide a regular payment, known as the yield, and, at the end of the term, is designed to pay back the £100. This provides the investor a return for locking up their capital for a known period.

Why Now?

Given the interest rate increases in 2023, this has led to newly issued gilts providing a higher yield. This has made low yielding gilts less attractive and therefore impacts their price negatively. We can expect an inverse relationship between interest rates and the price of gilts.

Pros: Why Gilts Can Be Good and Useful

Safety and Stability: Investors often turn to gilts based on their reputation for safety. Issued by governments, gilts are considered low risk, offering a stable source of income for investors seeking to preserve capital. However, there is always a risk said governments can default on their obligations.

Regular Income: Gilts typically provide fixed interest payments at regular intervals. This can be attractive to income-oriented investors who rely on a steady cash flow.

Diversification: Including gilts in a diversified portfolio can be a strategic move, especially during economic downturns. Their inverse relationship with equities may help mitigate overall portfolio risk.

Capital Appreciation: With some second-hand gilts currently trading below par i.e. the nominal £100 (as of January 2024), this provides an opportunity for investors to benefit from the capital uplift available when the gilt does eventually mature and provide.

Cons: Reasons Gilts May Not Be So Good

Low Returns: While gilts are considered low risk, they often offer lower returns compared to riskier assets. In a low-interest-rate environment, the income generated from gilts may not keep pace with inflation, potentially eroding purchasing power.

Interest Rate Risk: Gilts are sensitive to changes in interest rates. When rates rise, the value of existing gilts tends to fall, leading to potential capital losses for investors holding these bonds.

Inflation Risk: Inflation can erode the real value of fixed interest payments from gilts. If inflation outpaces the interest rate on gilts, investors may experience a decrease in their purchasing power.

Cost Considerations: Are Gilts Expensive to Invest In?

Transaction Costs: Buying and selling gilts may involve transaction costs, particularly if done through a broker. These costs can eat into potential returns, making it essential for investors to carefully assess the impact on their overall investment performance.

Opportunity Cost: While gilts offer safety, tying up funds in these low-yielding assets might have meant missing out on potentially higher returns from other investment opportunities. This outcome was demonstrated by the resilience of equities within 2023.

Alternatives: What Might be a Better Option?

Diversified Bond Funds: Instead of investing directly in gilts, you could consider diversified bond funds. These funds spread risk across various fixed-income instruments, potentially offering a better balance between risk and return.

Equity Investments: For investors with a longer time horizon and a higher risk tolerance, a mix of equities may provide better growth potential. While riskier, equities have historically outperformed bonds over the long term*.

Conclusion

The decision to invest in gilts depends on individual financial goals, risk tolerance, and the overall investment strategy. While gilts offer safety and stability, investors should weigh the potential drawbacks, including low returns and interest rate sensitivity. Exploring alternative investment options and maintaining a diversified portfolio may provide a more balanced approach to achieving long-term financial objectives.

If you would like a review of your investment strategy, please contact one our financial planners here.

Articles on this website are offered only for general information and educational purposes. They are not offered as, and do not constitute, financial advice. You should not act or rely on any information contained in this website without first seeking advice from a professional.

Past performance is not a guide to future performance and may not be repeated. Capital is at risk; investments and the income from them can fall as well as rise and investors may not get back the amounts originally invested.

You are now departing from the regulatory site of Finura. Finura is not responsible for the accuracy of the information contained within the linked site.

Sources: 16 years of returns: History’s lesson for investors