After a tumultuous 2022, fixed-income markets have begun 2023 on much firmer footing. Despite the rally in rates in March, we believe high-quality bonds still offer the best opportunities that they’ve in many years (FIGURE 1). It isn’t often that bond investors get excited, but we believe there may be good reason to focus on the asset class now.

Important Risks: Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. • Fixed income security risks include credit, liquidity, call, duration, and interest-rate risk. As interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall. • Investments in high-yield (“junk”) bonds involve greater risk of price volatility, illiquidity, and default than higher-rated debt securities. • Municipal securities may be adversely impacted by state/local, political, economic, or market conditions. Although municipal securities that are exempt from federal income taxes, investors may be subject to the federal Alternative Minimum Tax as well as state and local income taxes. Capital gains, if any, are taxable. • Mortgage-related and asset-backed securities’ risks include credit, interest-rate, prepayment, and extension risk.

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The views expressed herein are those of Schroders Investment Management (Schroders), are for informational purposes only, and are subject to change based on prevailing market, economic, and other conditions. The views expressed may not reflect the opinions of Hartford Funds or any other sub-adviser to our funds. The opinions stated in this document include some forecasted views. Schroders believes that they are basing their expectations and beliefs on reasonable assumptions within the bounds of what they currently know. The views and information discussed should not be construed as research, a recommendation, or investment advice, nor should they be considered an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any security. This information is current at the time of writing and may not be reproduced or distributed in whole or in part, for any purpose, without the express written consent of Schroders or Hartford Funds.