Hedging Against Inflation in Your Portfolio

Rising inflation is a concern among investors. Here are five ways to protect your investments.

Over the past year, investors have become increasingly worried about how inflation might impact their portfolios. One measure of inflation, the Consumer Price Index (CPI), climbed to 7.5 percent in January, its highest level in four decades. Supply chain issues, government stimulus, and increased consumer demand have contributed to higher prices for goods and services.

Inflation can be a problem for investors because it decreases the spending power of every dollar saved—over the long-term, your money won’t stretch as far. Luckily, there are steps you can take to hedge against inflation and protect your portfolio. Here are five strategies to consider.

 

  • Stay invested in stocks

Inflation is a normal part of the market, but during times of high inflation, it’s worth revisiting your portfolio to determine if it still meets your desired rate of return and risk tolerance. Stocks offer higher potential returns, which can help you outpace the rate of inflation. But they can also be volatile. Consider holding a greater portion of stocks to take advantage of higher returns if your risk tolerance allows it.

 

  • Minimize exposure to traditional bonds

The Federal Reserve will likely raise interest rates this year in an effort to control inflation. Traditional bond prices are inversely related to interest rates. In other words, when interest rates rise, bond prices usually decrease. As a result, during times of high inflation, you may want to avoid overexposure to bonds in your portfolio, as they can rapidly decrease in value when interest rates rise.

 

  • Consider TIPS

Treasury inflation-protection securities (TIPS) are a type of U.S. Treasury bond designed to keep pace with inflation. TIPS are backed by the U.S. government and considered some of the safest investments available. When you buy TIPS, you are lending money to the government and receiving interest in return in the form of a coupon payment. The principal value of TIPS is indexed to the rate of inflation. When inflation rises, the principal value does too, which in turn increases your coupon payment. When inflation falls, the principal value decreases, and coupon payments decrease as well. You can buy TIPS with maturities of five years, 10 years, and 30 years.

 

  • Invest in real estate

Real estate does well during inflationary periods largely because as inflation rises, landlords are able to pass higher costs on to their tenants. You can invest in real estate directly by becoming a landlord and collecting rent on properties you own. Or you can invest indirectly by buying shares in real estate investment trusts, or REITs. REITs are companies that own and manage real estate, such as office buildings, apartments, or retail spaces. The companies generate income by collecting rent. They then pass the profits on to their shareholders. By law, REITs must pass 90% of their profits to their shareholders.

 

  • Explore commodities

The price of commodities, such as oil and corn, tends to rise with inflation, making commodities a popular inflation hedge. You can invest in commodities through mutual funds or exchange-traded funds that hold diversified baskets of investments. Another way to take advantage of the positive correlation between commodities and inflation is to invest in businesses heavily involved in commodities, such as mining companies, for example.

Remember that your investment portfolio is constructed based on your long-term goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. Avoid making rash investment decisions based on potential short-term changes in the economy. Be sure any hedging strategies you use fit your overall plan and help you stay on track to meet your financial objectives.

 

Sources:

https://www.investor.gov/introduction-investing/investing-basics/investment-products/real-estate-investment-trusts-reits

https://www.investor.gov/introduction-investing/investing-basics/glossary/treasury-securities

https://www.investor.gov/introduction-investing/investing-basics/investment-products/bonds-or-fixed-income-products/bonds

https://www.treasurydirect.gov/instit/marketables/tips/tips.htm

https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/fin-mkts/Pages/tips.aspx

Information is provided by Theodore Swenson and written by Oechsli, a non-affiliate of Cetera Advisor Networks LLC.

The views stated are not necessarily the opinion of Cetera Advisor Networks LLC and should not be construed directly or indirectly as an offer to buy or sell any securities mentioned herein. Due to volatility within the markets mentioned, opinions are subject to change without notice. Information is based on sources believed to be reliable; however, their accuracy or completeness cannot be guaranteed. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

REITs are subject to various risks such as illiquidity and property devaluations based on adverse economic and real estate market conditions and may not be suitable for all investors. A prospectus that discloses all risks, fees and expenses may be obtained from (303) 393-2456. Read the prospectus carefully before investing. This is not a solicitation or offering which can only be made in conjunction with a copy of the prospectus.

Investing in mutual funds is subject to risk and loss of principal. There is no assurance or certainty that any investment strategy will be successful in meeting its objectives.

Exchange-traded funds and mutual funds are sold only by prospectus. Please consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other information about the investment company, can be obtained from your financial professional. Be sure to read the prospectus carefully before deciding whether to invest.

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