Beware of hidden risks in BBB issues

Three months into 2003 and once again the markets appear to have the same theme as last year ' a see...

Three months into 2003 and once again the markets appear to have the same theme as last year ' a seemingly persistent environment of low inflation and low investment returns. As equities continue to disappoint, so more people consider bonds as an alternative, particularly now that UK interest rates have been reduced further. But is this really the best time to be considering a market that faces as many challenges as equities? Also, just how different are corporate bonds to the shares of the companies that issue them? These are the two crucial questions that bond investors will have to...