Stable Value Fund: Definition, How They Work, Types and Benefits

Investors who prefer systematic investment diversify across sectors,  including lower-risk fixed-income products.  Although these instruments offer regular payments,  they come with risks.  If these risks affect interest payments,  investors may lose money.  Additionally,  a bear market in other asset classes can impact overall portfolio performance. 

So what should you do in this situation? Should you stop investing in fixed-income instruments? The answer is no.  Fixed-income instruments play a crucial role in the overall success of a portfolio.  However,  one option is to invest in fixed-income instruments through Stable value funds.  These funds ensure that you receive the same interest payment while maintaining your principal amount intact. 

In this blog,  we will discuss all that you need to know about stable-value funds to start investing. 

What Is Stable Value Fund?

A stable value fund is a low-risk investment that invests and creates a portfolio of fixed-income instruments and wraps it with insurance from an insurance company or a guarantee from a bank.  The insurance and guarantee include the fixed-income instrument to ensure the preservation of the capital or principal amount.  

With a stable value fund,  the investors retain the original value of the invested cash,  irrespective of external affecting factors such as the performance of the stock or the bond market.  The process of stable value funds makes the overall investments low-risk.  However,  the subsequent returns are low as well. 

How Does a Stable Fund Work?

The idea behind stable value funds is that investors shouldn’t suffer from market fluctuations,  and the fixed-income instrument they have invested in should continue to yield the original interest rate.  They do this by backing their investments in fixed-income instruments with insurance policies or bank guarantees.  

The backing by a bank or insurance company is known as wrap contracts,  which guarantee a certain return regardless of whether the underlying asset goes down in value.  Insurers or banks provide a stable value fund with a guarantee based on financial backing and assets. 

Stable value funds guarantee that your principal amount will never drop below the initial investment.  If an external factor causes a fixed-income instrument to lose its value,  the wrap contract issuer is legally required to restore the lost value.  Investors in stable value funds continue to receive the same returns as promised by the instrument at the time of investment. 

Benefits of Stable Value Fund

Once you have understood what is stable value fund and how it works we must answer the third important question is it beneficial? The pointers below will answer that question.  

Capital Preservation

The primary benefit of stable value funds is that they are designed to preserve capital.  This means that investors can feel confident that their principal investment will be protected,  even in times of market turbulence or economic uncertainty. 

Stable Returns

Another benefit of stable value funds is that they offer stable returns.  This means that investors can expect a predictable stream of income from their investment,  which can be used to fund ongoing expenses or to reinvest in other investments. 

Low Risk

Finally,  stable value funds are considered to be a low-risk investment option.  This is because they are designed to minimize risk to the principal investment,  while still offering a reasonable rate of return. 

Drawbacks of Stable Value Fund

Along with benefits come some notable risks too.  Here are the risks:

Limited Upside Potential

One of the main drawbacks of stable-value funds is their limited upside potential.  Stable value funds are composed primarily of fixed-income investments,  such as bonds and money market securities. 

While these types of investments are generally considered to be relatively safe,  they also tend to have lower returns than other types of investments,  such as stocks. 

This means that investors who invest primarily in stable value funds may miss out on potential gains that could be realized by investing in other types of investments with higher returns. 

Potential for Credit Risk

Another potential drawback of stable-value funds is the possibility of credit risk.  Stable value funds typically invest in bonds and other fixed-income securities that are considered to be relatively safe. 

However,  there is still a risk that the issuer of these securities may default on their debt obligations,  which could result in a loss of principal for the investor. 

Additionally,  stable value funds may invest in securities that are rated lower than investment-grade,  which can increase the risk of default. 

Restrictions on Withdrawals

Finally,  stable value funds may also have restrictions on withdrawals that can limit an investor’s ability to access their funds. 

Many stable-value funds have restrictions on how often investors can withdraw their money,  and some may even require a waiting period before withdrawals are permitted. 

Additionally,  some stable value funds may charge penalties or fees for early withdrawals,  which can further limit an investor’s ability to access their funds. 

Types of Stable Funds

Once you have thoroughly gone threw the benefits and risks of stable value fund only then you should think of the types of stable value fund available for you to invest in. 

Separately Managed Account

Insurance companies generally offer this type of fund,  where assets are held in a segregated account.  The insurance company backs investments with these assets.  For the benefit of investment participants,  the insurance company owns the assets in the segregated account. 

Commingled Fund

Stable value funds combine assets from other plans,  including unaffiliated retirement funds and provident funds,  allowing smaller investments to benefit from economies of scale. 

Guaranteed Investment Contract (GIC)

These funds are issued by insurance companies and pay interest over a long period.  Investments may be backed by the insurance company’s general account assets,  or they may be backed by assets held in a segregated account through the process of separately managed accounts. 

Synthetic GIC

In terms of nature and operation,  this type of stable-value fund is similar to the Guaranteed Investment Contract.  The assets of the investment plan or retirement plan are kept in the name of the trustee. 

Factors to Consider Before Investing in Stable Value Fund

It is always ideal to consider all the factors before investing in something new like the stable value fund.  Even after knowing the benefits and risks involved,  it is wise to take a look at the following points. 

Fees and Expenses

One important factor to consider before investing in a stable value fund is the fees and expenses associated with the fund. 

These may include management fees,  administrative fees,  and other costs.  It is important to understand these costs and how they may impact the overall return on investment. 

Investment Objectives

Another important factor to consider is the investor’s overall investment objectives. 

Stable value funds may be a good option for investors who are looking for a relatively safe and predictable investment option,  but may not be suitable for investors who are looking for higher rates of return or who have a higher tolerance for risk. 

Credit Risk

Finally,  it is important to consider the credit risk associated with stable value funds. 

While these funds are designed to minimize risk to the principal investment,  there is still some risk involved,  particularly if the investments are not properly diversified or if the credit quality of the underlying investments deteriorates. 

It is important to carefully research the credit quality of the investments within the fund and to consider the potential impact of credit risk on the overall return on investment. 

FAQ: Stable Value Fund

Is a stable value fund a good investment?

A stable-value fund is a good choice for conservative investors and those with relatively short time horizons,  such as retirees.  Investing in these funds provides income with minimal risk,  and they can help stabilise the rest of an investor’s portfolio. 

What types of investors might consider a Stable Value Fund?

Stable Value Funds are ideal for investors who want to preserve capital while generating predictable returns.  They may be a good fit for retirees,  those nearing retirement,  or investors who are risk-averse and want to limit their exposure to market volatility. 

What is a 12-month stable value?

A 12-month put is the most common termination provision in stable-value funds.  Essentially,  a 12-month put requires plan sponsors to give a year’s notice before terminating the fund.  In a market decline,  the put protects the fund’s remaining investors. 

Conclusion

Stable value funds are a popular investment option for those looking for stability and consistent returns.  These funds provide a unique combination of safety and growth potential,  making them an attractive choice for investors.  

By understanding how stable value funds work and the different types available,  you can make an informed decision about whether they align with your investment goals.  While there are some drawbacks to consider,  such as limited liquidity and potential interest rate risk,  the benefits of stable value funds often outweigh these concerns.  

With their steady returns and relative security,  stable-value funds can be a valuable addition to any investment portfolio.  So why not explore this option further and see if it’s the right fit for you? Read More – SustVest