The Unintended Consequences of Inflation Protection

Updated Wednesday, June 19, 2013 as of 9:12 PM ET

Web Seminar

Available On-Demand
November 28, 2012 - November 29, 2012

TIPS have been a popular choice for investors concerned about future inflation, and returns have been impressive in recent years. But the main contributor to TIPS’ performance isn’t inflation. Falling interest rates have been driving performance, creating a strong tailwind for bonds—and for TIPS in particular. It’s an ingredient that could become as hurtful down the road as it’s been helpful in the past.

Higher interest-rate sensitivity—longer duration—has magnified TIPS’ returns. But in a rising-rate environment, longer-duration securities will likely underperform. If and when inflation does rise, TIPS’ yields will also be rising—and values will be declining—as the Federal Reserve tightens monetary policy.

What do we think is the right strategy? Join our webinar on November 28th to discuss the role of an inflation-protection strategy in client portfolios.

Speaker: Rick Brink, Senior Portfolio Manager – Fixed Income, AllianceBernstein

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For financial representative use only. Not for inspection by, distribution or quotation to, the general public: The information contained here reflects the views of AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliates and sources it believes are reliable as of the date of this publication. AllianceBernstein L.P. makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy of any data. There is no guarantee that any projection, forecast or opinion in this material will be realized. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The views expressed here may change at any time after the date of this publication. This is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. AllianceBernstein L.P. does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. It does not take an investor's personal investment objectives or financial situation into account; investors should discuss their individual circumstances with appropriate professionals before making any decisions. This information should not be construed as an offer of solicitation for the purchase or sale of, any financial instrument, product or service sponsored by AllianceBernstein or its affiliates.

Risks to Consider
Market Risk: The market values of the portfolio’s holdings rise and fall from day to day, so investments may lose value.
Credit Risk: A bond’s credit rating reflects the issuer’s ability to make timely payments of interest or principal—the lower the rating, the higher the risk of default. If the issuer’s financial strength deteriorates, the issuer’s rating may be lowered and the bond’s value may decline.
Municipal Market Risk: Debt securities issued by state or local governments may be subject to special political, legal, economic and market factors that can have a significant effect on the portfolio’s yield or value.
Interest-Rate Risk: As interest rates rise, bond prices fall and vice versa; long-term securities tend to rise and fall more than short-term securities.
Inflation Risk: Prices for goods and services tend to rise over time, which may erode the purchasing power of investments.
Derivatives Risk: Investing in derivative instruments such as options, futures, forwards or swaps can be riskier than traditional investments, and may be more volatile, especially in a down market.
Leverage Risk: Trying to enhance investment returns by borrowing money or using other leverage tools—magnifying both gains and losses, resulting in greater volatility.
Liquidity Risk: The difficulty of purchasing or selling a security at an advantageous time or price. Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Fund/Portfolio carefully before investing.

Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Fund/Portfolio carefully before investing. For copies of our prospectus or summary prospectus, which contain this and other information, visit us online at www.alliancebernstein.com or contact your Alliance Bernstein Investments representative. Please read the prospectus and/or summary prospectus carefully before investing.

AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc. (ABI) is the distributor of the AllianceBernstein family of mutual funds. ABI is a member of FINRA and is an affiliate of AllianceBernstein L.P., the manager of the funds.

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