Index - https://steemit.com/tax/@alhofmeister/3ibscz-accounting-and-finance-blog-index
Introduction
The purpose of this post is to examine the YTD performance of bonds by comparing various Vanguard index funds. Specifically, I am examining the dividends paid by the funds (interest paid by the bonds) and ignoring any fluctuation in price to demonstrate the effects of simply holding the index funds. The graphs represent the following:
- Total interest paid YTD;
- Interest as a % of price (YTD interest / index fund price); and
- The tax rate necessary for the municipal bonds to be the least advantageous investment (muni bond % from 2 / dom or intl % from 2 - negative values indicate that municipal bonds are the superior investment regardless of the individual's tax rate).
Based on the analysis below, municipal bonds (surprisingly) are paying a higher dividend (when considering price) than either domestic or international bonds. Examining the post considering price (Bonds v. Stocks YTD Performance (VTSMX, VGTSX, VBMFX, VTIBX, & VWITX)), reveals that International Bonds (VTIBX) significantly outperformed the other two index funds after price is considered. I will continue to track the progress of these index funds in future posts.
Interest Paid YTD
Interest as % of Price
Tax Rate Required
References
https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/VBMFX/history?p=VBMFX
https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/VTIBX/history?p=VTIBX
https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/VWITX/history?p=VWITX
@contentvoter
Not taking into account the price changes would be over simplifying the scenario. Would there be a significant difference if you included price changes?
I actually cover price in a separate article. In the other article, I've consistently found that international bonds (VTIBX) outperformed the other 2 which makes for an interesting contrast. The focus of the post is more to point out that if someone was looking for a steady stream of income with no plans to sell, the most expensive option is not always the best option.