Bonds are loans investors make to issuers - governments, municipalities corporations or other entities - so the issuers can fund and/or expand operations. They can be used as a "core" investment to build the foundation of a balanced portfolio. This is because they offer a wide range of maturities, interest payment terms and credit quality ratings selected to fit most portfolio needs.

The 1990s bull market left many investment portfolios unbalanced. Today, asset allocation has become more important than ever to the individual investor. The lesson learned from the 1990s is that, while stocks as an asset class can provide important long-term growth in a portfolio, they can be extremely volatile.. This has led many to turn to bonds in seeking to cushion their portfolios in a down market through diversification.

For conservative, moderate and aggressive investors finding some balance between risk and reward has become paramount.

Bonds provide you with a wide range of investment opportunities that can complement your investment objectives. See how our strategies may be able to suit your needs. You decide on which strategy makes sense for you.

• Asset Allocation - Bonds provide a wide range of investment options, and can serve as an important component of a balanced portfolio.
• Retirement Planning - Morgan Stanley can help investors as they plan a strategy to provide a steady stream of income in retirement.
• College Planning - Investors looking for growth opportunities through capital appreciation can benefit from investment strategies designed to meet future tuition payments.

Learn more about how bonds can serve as a "core" investment in a balanced portfolio.