: Every dollar in a bond is a dollar not invested in stocks, which historically offer much higher long-term returns.
Professional opinions on bonds vary widely based on their overall investment philosophy:
: Adding bonds has historically smoothed out the "stomach drop" feelings that come with market dips. should i buy bonds
: 2–4 years of upcoming spending in high-quality, short-term bonds. Equities : The remainder in stocks for long-term growth.
The story of whether you should buy bonds in 2026 is less about a simple "yes" or "no" and more about your personal financial timeline and your stomach for market swings. The Case for "Yes": The Safety Net : Every dollar in a bond is a
For many, bonds act as the "ballast" on a ship, keeping the portfolio steady when the stock market gets choppy.
“If a 10% drop in the stock market bothers you and you're 100% in stocks, you might want to consider adding bonds to your portfolio.” Reddit · r/Bogleheads · 1 year ago Equities : The remainder in stocks for long-term growth
suggests a "90/10" rule for most: 90% in low-cost S&P 500 index funds and 10% in short-term government bonds for liquidity.