Manage US stocks, Korean stocks, and ETFs in one place and auto-rebalance to your target allocation
Real-time US & KR stock prices
Auto buy/sell calculation
Cloud sync supported
Monetary Policy2025-09-27
Fed Signals Additional Rate Cuts, Sending Bond ETFs Surging — Time to Rebalance
Bond ETFs like TLT and IEF surged sharply after the Fed signaled further rate cuts. Experts say it's an ideal time to rebalance portfolios and reassess asset allocation.
AdminNaver
Long-term bond ETFs are rallying as the Fed signals additional rate cuts. Investors are now using rebalancing calculators to assess adjusting their bond weightings and resetting their overall asset allocation.
Fed Comments and Bond ETF Reaction
Following Fed Chair Powell's remarks signaling further rate cuts, TLT (20+ Year Treasury ETF) surged 3.2%, reaffirming the high interest rate sensitivity of long-duration bonds. IEF (7-10 Year Treasury ETF) also gained 1.8%, demonstrating steady returns from intermediate-term bonds. Investors are comparing TLT vs. IEF to find the right balance between duration risk and yield. Using an asset allocation calculator to review current bond weightings and check how far they've drifted from target allocations is essential at this stage.
AGG ETF and a Comprehensive Bond Strategy
AGG ETF, which covers the full spectrum of investment-grade bonds, rose 1.5%. It offers lower volatility than TLT or IEF, making it well-suited for building a stable portfolio. Now is a good time to use a rebalancing calculator to determine the right AGG allocation and revisit whether a 60:40 or 70:30 stock-to-bond ratio still fits your goals. In particular, during rate-cutting cycles, bonds strengthen their role as a portfolio hedge, making a case for increasing their weighting.
Choosing Bond ETFs by Duration
As rate-cut expectations rise, investors are weighing how to choose bond ETFs by duration. TLT offers the potential for large gains when rates fall, but comes with higher volatility. IEF, with its intermediate duration, provides a reasonable risk-adjusted return. AGG ETF blends various maturities to pursue overall portfolio stability. Using an asset allocation calculator to design the right bond ETF mix based on your investment goals and risk tolerance is the key.
A Practical Guide to Portfolio Rebalancing
During a bond ETF rally, it's important to review how your portfolio's weightings have shifted. Use a rebalancing calculator to compare your current allocation against your targets, and consider adjustments if any position has drifted more than ±5%. For example, if your target was 60% stocks and 40% bonds, but the bond rally has pushed bonds to 45%, the principle is to sell some bonds and buy stocks to restore the balance. Factor in transaction costs and tax implications, and also consider dollar-cost rebalancing or deploying new cash inflows instead of selling.
Rate Outlook and Long-Term Investment Strategy
With further Fed rate cuts on the horizon, it's worth resetting your bond ETF allocation from a long-term investment perspective. If concerns about an economic slowdown persist, bonds may see renewed demand as a safe-haven asset. That said, the risk of re-accelerating inflation remains, making a balanced approach important. Use an asset allocation calculator to identify the appropriate bond weighting for your life stage, and establish a dynamic adjustment strategy that responds to changing market conditions.
Conclusion
The Fed's signal of additional rate cuts is an opportunity for bond ETF investors. Use a rebalancing calculator and asset allocation calculator to review your current portfolio, clarify your criteria for choosing between TLT and IEF, and build a comprehensive bond strategy with AGG ETF. The key is maintaining a balanced, long-term portfolio rather than chasing short-term gains.