American Funds Bond Fund of America
Historical Performance
Objective And Strategy
ObjectiveAs high level of current income as is consistent with the preservation of capital.
Strategy
The fund seeks to maximize your level of current income and preserve your capital by investing primarily in bonds. Normally, the fund invests at least 80% of its assets in bonds and other debt securities. The fund invests at least 65% of its assets in investment-grade debt securities (rated Baa3 or better or BBB– or better by Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations, or NRSROs, designated by the fund’s investment adviser, or unrated but determined to be of equivalent quality by the fund’s investment adviser), including cash and cash equivalents, securities issued and guaranteed by the U.S. and other governments, and securities backed by mortgage and other assets. The fund may invest up to 35% of its assets in debt securities rated Ba1 or below and BB+ or below by NRSROs or unrated but determined by the fund’s investment adviser to be of equivalent quality. Such securities are sometimes referred to as “junk bonds.” The fund may invest in debt securities of issuers domiciled outside the United States. The fund may also invest up to 20% of its assets in preferred stocks, including convertible and nonconvertible preferred stocks. In addition, the fund may invest, subject to the restrictions above, in contracts for future delivery of mortgage-backed securities, such as to be announced contracts and mortgage rolls. These contracts are normally of short duration and are replaced by another contract prior to maturity. Each such transaction is reflected as turnover in the fund’s portfolio resulting in a higher portfolio turnover rate than funds that do not employ this investment strategy. The fund is designed for investors seeking income and more price stability than stocks, and capital preservation over the long term. The investment adviser uses a system of multiple portfolio counselors in managing the fund’s assets.
Tax Inefficient Fund
Asset classes that make large ordinary income distributions or generate significant short term capital gains are tax inefficient. Asset classes that match this description include REITs, commodities funds and absolute return funds.
Principle Risks
N/A
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Bonds - Intermediate12/2012
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Documents
- Fund Prospectus and Other Forms