Fixed, contingent, or floating-rate bonds that, at the time of purchase, are rated below investment grade as well as convertible bonds.
Investment Objective
Seeks current income with capital appreciation as a secondary objective.
Investment Strategy
At least 80% of the value of the Fund's total assets is invested in corporate bonds and other debt securities that, at the time of purchase, are rated below investment grade by nationally recognized statistical ratings organizations or are unrated.
The investment team considers several factors in purchasing and selling securities, such as issuer's earnings patterns, financial history, management and general prospects, relative to the price of the security.
Risk Factors
As with all mutual funds, the value of an investment in the Fund could decline, so you could lose money. Bond funds are subject to interest rate risk, credit risk and prepayment risk. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall, and when interest rates fall, bond prices generally rise. Currently, interest rates are at relatively low levels. Please keep in mind that in this kind of environment, the risk that bond prices may fall when interest rates rise is potentially greater. High yield bond investing includes special risks. Investments in lower rated and unrated debt securities are subject to a greater loss of principal and interest than investments in higher rated securities. The values of mortgage-backed securities depend on the credit quality and adequacy of the underlying assets or collateral and may be highly volatile.