SummaryInterest rate risk can arise for investors holding fixed-income instruments or stock market investments that are
sensitive to interest rate fluctuations.Firms holding debt with a floating interest rate can suffer losses when interest rates rise, leaving investors with
significant losses.Investment tools such as interest rate derivates and floating rate instruments can rescue investors when an interest
rate rise is expected.
Investors often turn to bonds and bond funds to diversify their portfolio or simply hold fixed-income assets. Often
perceived as risk-free investments, bonds are susceptible to a set of risks, one of which is interest rate risk.
Simply put, interest rate risk is the exposure of firms to changing interest rates and is a risk that even companies are
vulnerable to. It can adversely impact the revenue of the firms, further causing a setback to their stock market
performance. Firms holding debt with a floating interest rate (such as LIBOR) can be in a serious turmoil if the rate
increases.
Conversely, interest rate reductions can spur activity in sectors such as construction and automobile manufacturing due
to increased credit-based demand. However, an increase in the rate can pose a challenge for these sectors, causing a
drop in the investors’ portfolio returns.
Thus, interest rate risk can present itself in various forms for investors, making it necessary for them to manage the
risk.
Here are a few ways in which interest rate risk can be minimised:Shifting to shorter-duration investments
Short-term investments are a viable option that investors can explore when they expect interest rates to rise. Selling
investments that are long-term and, thus, more open to interest rate risk should be the first order of business for
investors. Due to the inverse relationship of bond prices with yield, when interest rates rise, bonds tend to lose their
value. Thus, investors can protect themselves from increased losses by selling their long-term investments and instead
choosing shorter-term investments.
Switching from long-term investments to those with a shorter maturity can considerably reduce the risk faced by
investors as these investments face lesser disturbance due to interest rate volatility.Hedging through various derivatives
Hedging for an investor involves taking an opposite position in related assets, which in this case are interest rate
derivatives, to offset the losses from existing investments. These derivatives include forward rate agreements, swaps,
futures, and forwards.
In interest rate swaps, two parties mutually swap the interest rates that are attached to a liability. Typically,
parties swap a floating interest rate for a fixed one or the other way around. Both parties enter the agreement with the
aim to mutually benefit from the swap. Swaps are like Forward Rate Agreements, in which interest rates are forwarded
among parties.
Additionally, interest rate futures allow the involved parties to decide upon the price if an interest paying asset that
is to be exchanged between them in the future. This eradicates interest rate-based fluctuations that the price of the
asset goes through.Floating rate investments for when rates rise
A good method to redeem the losses caused by interest rate fluctuations is to invest in floating rate investments when
interest rates are rising. Floating rate investments would generally offer higher returns in the specific scenario when
rates are rising. Alternatively, if investors expect a drop in rates owing to upcoming policy changes or related
factors, then they can sell their floating rate investments to avoid potential losses.
Additionally, investors can explore high yield bonds when rates are rising. These bonds are also referred to as “junk
bonds” and are deemed as risky investments because they are generally issued by companies with a lower credit rating.
Thus, the higher risk is compensated for by the above-average yield offered on these bonds.Diversification of portfolio
Diversification allows investors to hedge against interest rate losses by investing in assets or securities that may
indirectly benefit from interest rate fluctuations. For instance, a bond holder can obtain higher returns from equities
when interest rates are rising by simply investing in those equities that benefit from rising interest rates, such as
banking and insurance stocks.
Additionally, diversifying one’s portfolio with commodities when interest rates are on the rise is also a good approach
to hedging. These unrelated assets can help the investor gauge higher returns from that part of the market that benefits
from changes in the interest rates. Generally, precious metals tend to perform well when interest rates rise. Thus,
investors can hold these additional securities in their portfolio to hedge against losses.
All in all, a balanced portfolio along with the financial prowess of the investor can protect him/her even in the face
of adversity. Investment tools such as interest rate derivates and floating rate instruments can rescue investors when
an interest rate rise is expected. However, investors must carefully investigate these tools and develop sound knowledge
about the risks surrounding them before going for a new investment.