FD interest rates are falling: Can corporate bonds offer better returns with safety?

Economic Times

04-06-2025

Getty Images Corporate bonds have become an important part of a diversified portfolio of investors who have the required risk appetite.
As a tool of personal investment, corporate bonds have become the difference between reactive investing and proactive wealth building. Serving both the purposes of income generation and portfolio diversification, corporate bonds offer higher return than FDs however at a relatively higher risk.
Capital allocation skewed after the 2010s equity boom, where bonds assumed a central role. Today, the bond market in India surged to $2.6 trillion, of which $1.3 trillion, or 45%, is made up of corporate bonds. Corporate bonds have been benefitting from the headwinds of companies allocating a higher debt component than equity, foreign investors betting on Indian debt, and retail investors finally having a seat at the table.
With the RBI cutting the repo rate to 6%, its second consecutive repo rate cut in 2025 from the earlier 6.25% in February 2025, borrowing has become cheaper than issuing equity, allowing companies to raise capital without diluting ownership. Simultaneously, global investors are pouring money into Indian bonds, drawn by yields of 7-8%, far outpacing developed markets. India's inclusion in JPMorgan Government Bond Index-Emerging Markets (GBI-EM) is set to attract $20-25 billion in foreign capital by 2025. Additionally, retail investors, too, are benefiting from SEBI's reforms, lowering corporate bond entry barriers to INR 10,000. These currents have propelled corporate bonds to become an important part of a diversified portfolio of investors who have the required risk appetite. With easy online access and tax-efficient options, corporate bonds enable - Inflation is parasitic to your investment portfolio as well as purchasing power. While inflation has moderated in recent quarters, India's structured realities of a large populus, constrained capital base, and reliance on imported commodities mean that inflationary pressures are likely to persist. This is where investors can rely on the right kind of corporate bonds to beat inflation, maintain real returns and protect their portfolios.
Achieving FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) requires a balance between growth, income stability, and risk management. Corporate bonds, with their varying risk levels, offer a structured way to generate passive income, preserve capital, and hedge against market downturns.Low-risk bonds from stable companies provide fixed income with minimal market fluctuation. Mid-range bonds offer higher returns with moderately higher risk, creating a middle ground between conservative and aggressive investing. High-yield bonds can boost returns however come at very high risk, they should be limited to 10-15% of an investment portfolio to manage risk.The key is to diversify with different ratings, to coat your portfolio from macroeconomic swings, while generating steady income. Inflation-protected bonds add an extra layer of security by maintaining purchasing power over time. This approach isn't about getting rich quickly but building a sustainable financial strategy that supports long-term wealth accumulation and reduces dependency on traditional employment income.Retirement is the time of your life when you have zero active income, but your expenses are far from halting. Around 70% of senior citizens in India are dependent on their families for maintenance. 78% of them do not have pension coverage. An effective retirement-ready portfolio offers steady income, corpus protection, and inflation-beating returns. For this purpose, Senior secured bonds work well. Senior secured bonds are low-risk debt securities issued by corporations to raise capital while working towards investor protection. These bonds are backed by specific collateral assets such as real estate, cash, or other valuable holdings, reducing default risk.Their priority ranking over unsecured or subordinated bonds ensures investors receive payments first in case of liquidation of the bond issuing company. These bonds offer fixed interest payments and lower volatility compared to stocks and mutual funds, making them an option for investors who intend to avoid risk related to unsecured debt as they age. A dedicated corpus to corporate bonds acts as stabilisers in your portfolio, offsetting potential losses in the stock market. Every investor's journey comes with landmines. From interest rate fluctuations that can deflate bond prices, credit risks lurking in lower-rated securities, to the treacherous terrain of liquidity that can trap your capital. These are not warning signs to retreat, but challenges to navigate strategically.Smart money does not shy away from complexity, it masters it. From risk-averse retirees to ambitious wealth builders, these instruments offer a tailored approach to wealth accumulation. While equity markets swing wildly, bonds are an anchor that ensures steady income, protects purchasing power, and offers a lifeline when market volatility threatens to sink your portfolio's ship.