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India To Sub-investment Grade

The article discusses sub-investment grade investments in India, the interrelation with the India Investment Grid initiative, and the risks associated with sub-investment grade bonds.

The sub-investment grade investment has a wide range of dangers and is not for the faint of heart. This article aims to provide an overview of some of the most critical aspects to consider when investing in high-yield or sub-investment grade bonds. There may be extra considerations for you and your financial, tax, or legal counsel based on your personal circumstances. 

Moody’s Investors Service (Moody’s) and Standard & Poor’s (S&P) are two of the most widely used credit rating organisations, and their ratings are used to determine sub-investment-grade/high-yield bonds. The agency’s view is reflected in the ratings. They are not a guarantee of creditworthiness, the likelihood of default, or advice to purchase or sell the stock in question. Also, read about the India Investment Grid and the rating of the banks in India. 

Reason for Investing in Sub-Investment Grade

The fundamental goal of investing in high yield/sub-investment grade bonds is to increase current income. Higher-quality Indian government bonds and certain investment-grade business and corporate bonds often have lower yields than these bonds.

The sub-investment grade/high-yield bonds may be chosen for diversification purposes by investors. It’s possible for investors who are willing to take on more risk to diversify some of their fixed-income portfolios into lower-quality bonds (sub-investment-grade/high-yield bonds). Treasury CRISIL rating is less susceptible to fluctuations in sub-investment grade/high yield bonds than investment-grade corporate bonds. They may, however, be more susceptible to economic situations, both adversely and favourably, during periods of deterioration and improvement.

Sub-investment-grade/high yield bonds may also be an option for investors looking for capital appreciation. Depending on market and issuer circumstances, bonds rated sub-investment grade or high yield are subject to large price volatility. The price-driven returns of sub-investment grade/high yield bonds may entice investors with a high-risk tolerance to engage in price-driven bond speculation.

What is the India Investment Grid?

Investors may explore, follow, and express interest in projects throughout India’s states, industries, and government programs using the India Investment Grid (IIG) platform. The site provides an opportunity for project owners to exhibit their initiatives as feasible investment options to investors. Investors may search for investment opportunities throughout India, engage with project promoters, and follow project progress with IIG. Furthermore, the site offers all users with dashboards and tools to help them better understand the available projects for investment. It strives to meet the demands of investors and promoters by establishing an interface that gives the information necessary to take the first step toward making an investment.

Are sub-investment-grade/high-yield bonds riskier?

Investing in sub-investment grade bonds may offer larger returns than in investment-grade bonds, but you should be aware of the extra dangers of doing so. However, investors should only consider sub-investment grade/high yield bonds in moderation as support for, and not the heart of, a well-diversified fixed income portfolio because of their higher yields and good returns. You must be aware of these dangers if you are to develop an effective portfolio of fixed income investments and choose the right sorts of assets.

Creditworthiness 

There is a credit risk if a bond’s issuer cannot repay interest payments or restore the principal at maturity as promised. A security’s value may be adversely affected by one of two types of credit risk.

Reducing the level of risk

If a credit rating agency downgrades the bond or issuer, this is the consequence. Even if a company does not fail, a credit event, such as being put on credit watch, reorganisations, or legal proceedings, may decrease its stock price before its maturity date. Before being downgraded, bonds may be placed on a negative credit watch as a warning to investors. 

Economic, market, and interest rate risks associated with sub-investment grade

Generally speaking, bond prices tend to fluctuate in the opposite direction of interest rate movements. When interest rates and CRISIL ratings rise, bond prices fall, and vice versa. On the other hand, high-yield bonds are less sensitive to increasing interest rates because of their greater income payments, which may help offset price drops in the long run.

The sub-investment grade/high-yield bond issuers’ economic prospects are generally better when economic circumstances improve and worse when they deteriorate. It’s possible that the market’s perception of an issuer’s creditworthiness may be adversely impacted if the issuer’s economic prospects are declining. Issuers of sub-investment grade/high yield bonds are more affected than investment grade issuers, but the same may be stated for the latter as well.

Conclusion

Investment in sub-investment grade/high yield bonds has the potential to reward investors who recognise the dangers. Before investing, keep these things in mind and check the rating of banks in India. There is often greater liquidity in corporate bonds with higher ratings than in bonds with lower ratings. This is a crucial and frequently overlooked feature for sub-investment-grade/high-yield bonds. Bond dealers can provide less attractive security at a lower price, such as one with credit issues. If you are forced to sell early, the price may be lower than you initially paid or lower than what is normally anticipated due to a lack of purchasers.

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Frequently asked questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the Railway Examination Preparation.

What is the liquidity risk associated with the sub-investment grade?

Ans. The ease with which you may sell securities without paying hefty transact...Read full

Is it safe to invest in India Investment Grid bonds?

Ans: Investment-grade ratings indicate a lower chance of default for bonds iss...Read full

What are the investment-grade ratings that are below?

Ans: In one of the four highest rating categories, securities not rated by a nationally recognised rating agency, su...Read full

Knowing the difference between an investment grade and a non-investment grade bond is critical, but why is it important?

Ans: In other words, investment-grade bonds have a lower yield than non-investment grade bonds. Investors want a lar...Read full

What are some options to mitigate risk when investing in sub-investment grade bonds?

Ans: Investing in sub-investment grade/high yield bonds comes with a higher level of risk, and there are a variety o...Read full