Q: I am ~ 25% underwater with BCE and Telus; the former has cut its dividend and the latter is expected to follow suit. What is your opinion on selling both holdings and buying HBND for about twice the dividend income. I realize this is purely an income play and no capital gains are likely.
5i Research Answer:
We would be cautious on this move. HBND owns long term US treasuries, and sells options against its holdings. But it has been quite disappointing, and its high yield is offset by net asset value decline . One year return is 0.01%. With the Iran War, the likelihood of lower interest rates has diminished, and higher rates would hurt this fund.