Convertible bond investors are often frustrated with limited investment choices or options regarding convertible securities especially related to sporadic or narrow convertible issuance, or that the universe of companies and sectors with outstanding convertibles is not larger or more diverse.

“Why Wellesley’s Convertible Bond Strategy Now?”, “Wellesley Asset Management’s Investment Process: The Three Legs of the Stool”, “The Traditional 60/40 Portfolio is DEAD”, “Got the Need for Income in Retirement”.

The trend of lower rates accelerated beginning November 8, 2018 when 10-year U.S. Treasury bond yields began a descent that saw their yield drop from 3.23% to a recent jaw-dropping all-time low of 0.40% on March 9, 2020.

Convertible bonds are sometimes considered the “Swiss Army knife” of financial products because they can provide investors with principal protection (barring default), income, and equity-like returns.

Unlike traditional convertible bonds, the credit exposure of a synthetic remains with the issuing company, typically a bank. The equity exposure, however, is tied to the underlying company’s stock.