In finance and investing, two prominent asset classes are bonds and stocks. This guide explains what bonds and stocks are, the main types available in Malaysia, how they differ, and how to invest in them, including bond funds and income funds.

Bonds and Stocks: Definition

Bonds are debt instruments governments, municipalities, and corporations issued to raise capital. When you buy a bond, you are lending money to the issuer, and they agree to pay you back, plus interest, over a set time. Bonds are considered a more conservative investment than stocks because they offer a fixed income and are less likely to fluctuate in value.

Stocks, also known as shares or equities, represent ownership stakes in a company. When you buy a stock, you buy a piece of the company and are entitled to a share of its profits. Stocks are considered a more risky investment than bonds because their value can fluctuate significantly, depending on the company’s performance. However, stocks also have the potential to generate higher returns than bonds.

Types of Bonds and Stocks

Bonds

  • Government bonds: These are bonds that governments issue. In Malaysia, they include Malaysian Government Securities (MGS) and the Shariah-compliant Government Investment Issues (GII). They are considered the safest type of bond because governments are unlikely to default on their debt.
  • Corporate bonds: These are bonds that corporations issue. They are considered to be riskier than government bonds because there is a greater risk that the corporation could default on its debt. Credit rating agencies rate corporate bonds based on their likelihood of default. In Malaysia, the main rating agencies are RAM Ratings and MARC Ratings.
  • Sukuk: These are Shariah-compliant bonds. Instead of paying interest, sukuk give investors a share of the returns from an underlying asset or business activity. Malaysia is one of the world’s largest sukuk markets, with both the government and corporations issuing them.

Stocks

  • Common stock: This is the most common type of stock. Common stockholders have voting rights and are entitled to a share of the company’s profits, if any. The amount of profit that a common stockholder receives is called a dividend. Dividends are typically paid out quarterly.
  • Preferred stock: Preferred stockholders have priority over common stockholders when it comes to receiving dividends and receiving assets in the event of bankruptcy. However, preferred stockholders do not have voting rights. Preferred stock typically pays a fixed dividend, unaffected by the company’s profits.
  • Exchange-traded funds (ETFs): ETFs are baskets of stocks that trade on an exchange, like stocks. ETFs can be an excellent way to invest in a particular sector or industry without picking individual stocks.

Differences between Bonds and Stocks

The main difference between bonds and stocks is that bonds are loans, while stocks are ownership shares. This means that bonds generate income in interest payments, while stocks generate income through dividends or capital appreciation.

Another key difference between bonds and stocks is that bonds are typically considered a more conservative investment than stocks. This is because bonds offer a fixed income and are less likely to fluctuate in value. On the other hand, stocks are more risky because their value can fluctuate significantly, depending on the company’s performance.

How to Invest in Bonds and Stocks in Malaysia

In Malaysia, stocks trade on Bursa Malaysia, while most bonds trade over the counter between institutions and come in large denominations. For retail investors, the easier routes into bonds are exchange-traded bonds and sukuk (ETBS) listed on Bursa Malaysia, or bond funds. Here are the most common ways to invest:

  • Open a brokerage account: A brokerage account is an investment account that allows you to buy and sell stocks, bonds, and other securities. Many brokerage firms offer brokerage accounts, so it is important to compare fees and features before opening an account.
  • Buy individual bonds or stocks: If you are comfortable with the risks and want more control over your investments, you can buy individual bonds or stocks. However, it is important to research before buying any individual securities.
  • Try mutual funds or ETFs: Mutual funds and ETFs are collections of stocks or bonds that a professional investment manager manages. This can be a good option for investors who do not want to choose individual securities.
  • Use a robo-advisor: A robo-advisor is an algorithm to create and manage investment. Robo-advisors are an option for investors who want to invest but want to avoid paying for the services of a traditional financial advisor.

Comparisons to Other Investment Options

Bonds and stocks are two of the most common types of investments, but other options are available. Some of the other popular investment options include:

  • Cash: This is the safest type of investment, but it also offers the lowest potential return.
  • Real estate: This can be a good investment for those looking for long-term growth. However, real estate can be illiquid and difficult to sell quickly.
  • Commodities: These are raw materials such as oil, gold, and wheat. Commodities can be a good investment for those who are looking for diversification. However, commodities can be volatile and can be risky.

Bond Funds vs Income Funds

A bond fund pools money from many investors to buy a portfolio of bonds, such as government securities, corporate bonds and sukuk. It gives you diversification and professional management without buying bonds one by one. Returns move with interest rates: when rates fall, bond prices tend to rise, and when rates rise, bond prices tend to fall.

An income fund focuses on paying regular distributions rather than growing capital. Some income funds hold bonds, while others invest in private credit, such as loans or financing notes issued to businesses. For example, the Tradeview Funding Societies Income Fund (TFSIF) is a wholesale fund managed by Tradeview Capital that invests in SME financing notes originated via Funding Societies. It targets a net return of 6% p.a., paid monthly, and is open only to sophisticated investors, with a minimum investment of RM10,000.

If you are not a sophisticated investor, the Guaranteed Investment Note (GN) lets you invest in SME notes from RM100, with guaranteed principal and returns of up to 8% p.a.

As with bonds, these investments carry risk. Read the product disclosures before you invest.

In Conclusion

Bonds and stocks are both viable investment options. Bonds may be a good option if you are looking for a lower-risk investment with the potential for steady income. However, stocks may be a better choice if you are looking for a higher-risk investment with the potential for greater returns.

It is important to remember that there is no single “right” answer when choosing between bonds and stocks. Your best choice will depend on your circumstances and risk tolerance.