Six income ideas for your portfolio

Government bonds look increasingly poor value, but you can still earn a good income from more specialist investment opportunities, says Jon Rebak.

Many investors are increasingly wary of the bond market, especially government bonds. I am certainly in this camp as I own none of them directly, and haven't for the last three years. They appear to offer little or no intrinsic value. Over time, governments of any colour tend to be poor custodians of the value of money, so unless you receive adequate compensation, you shouldn't lend to them.

However, I'm still interested in other income assets that trade at a reasonable price and where demand should remain strong in future. There are a number of more specialist areas of the market that offer respectable prospects over the next few years.

Subscribe to MoneyWeek

Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE

Get 6 issues free
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/mw70aro6gl1676370748.jpg

Sign up to Money Morning

Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter

Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter

Sign up

Jon is an investment writer who worked for HSBC Asset Management from 1980 until 2015. During this time, Jon focused mainly on funds research and managing a series of multi-asset portfolios, for both retail and institutional clients. He holds a BA Honours degree in geography.