This article reviews top fixed income funds and ETFs from 2016 and 2017, highlighting their strategies, risks, and geographic focus. It offers investors insights into diversified bond options, including high-yield, emerging markets, and hedged strategies, suitable for various risk appetites and income needs.

Fixed income investments continue to attract investors seeking steady returns with predictable cash flows, although some payments may vary. This category encompasses bonds, money market funds, certificates of deposit, bond mutual funds, and ETFs. In this overview, we highlight some top fixed income ETFs and funds from 2016 and 2017, featuring both domestic and international securities across different credit qualities and durations.

Bond ETFs are actively traded baskets of bonds, offering investors liquidity and diversity. The list includes a range of options with varying risk profiles and geographic focuses, enabling tailored investment strategies.

VanEck Vectors Fallen Angel High Yield Bond ETF (ANGL) — Tracks bonds downgraded from investment grade to high yield, seeking opportunities where credit upgrades can boost yields. Holds mainly U.S. dollar-denominated bonds, with diverse exposures including non-U.S. debt, and carries credit and interest rate risks.

ProShares High Yield-Interest Rate Hedged ETF (HYHG) — Uses shorting strategies on treasuries to hedge interest rate risk while investing in recent high-yield debt from North America. It manages credit risk with some liquidity and trading volume considerations.

Guggenheim BulletShares 2022 High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (BJSM) — Invests in high-yield bonds maturing in December 2022, functioning as a fixed-maturity fund that reduces risk as it nears maturity, making it suitable for bond ladder strategies.

AdvisorShares Peritus High Yield ETF (HYLD) — An actively managed fund targeting high current income from junk bonds, loans, and stocks. Its concentrated approach and potential use of leveraged strategies involve higher risk and expense considerations.

VanEck Vectors Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF (HYEM) — Tracks high-yield bonds from emerging markets, primarily issued in dollars, offering exposure to countries like Brazil and the Philippines. It has lower interest rate risk but may face liquidity and higher costs.