Inflation is the number one enemy for retirees. And as investors seek protection from inflation with their savings they are usually led to one of two options for how to hedge against inflation, treasury inflation protected securities, also known as TIPS, or I Bonds.

We find that a lot of investors see these 2 options as very similar types of investments, but that is really not the case.

IBonds vs TIPS:

I bonds, or series I savings bonds, are a very simple and straightforward investment. They provide an interest rate that adjusts to inflation, and they can never decline in value. We think I Bonds are great and are one of the best protections against inflation for your savings.

The major drawbacks to IBonds is that each individual is limited to $10,000 per year in purchases, and you can not purchase these in retirement accounts like 401(k)s, or IRAs.
This makes it hard to have IBonds be a significant portion of your retirement portfolio.

TIPS vs Ibonds:

TIPS on the other hand are very complex, and function very differently than many investors expect.
First, unlike I Bonds, TIPS do not protect you from all inflation, only unexpected inflation. When you buy a TIP you pay a premium compared to ordinary treasury bonds. This means that for a TIP to ultimately be a good investment, inflation has to be above a certain breakeven rate that is built into the TIP and already priced by the market. You must be sure you understand what that breakeven is, and the amount of inflation that is already priced into the bond at the time of purchase.

Also, TIPS can carry substantial interest rate risk. While you are guarded against unexpected rises in inflation, a general rise in interest rates will still negatively impact the value of your investment. We saw this in the first 9 months of 2022, which saw general TIPS funds decline 13% or more, despite having the highest inflation we’ve seen in 40 years.

Ultimately, we find that TIPS, and long term TIPS in particular, are not a good fit for many of our clients. While I series bonds are superior, it is difficult to amass enough to have a sizeable role in your asset allocation.

We typically find that there are other, better ways for most investors to protect themselves from inflation. Usually through utilizing shorter maturity bonds, and investing more in broadly diversified investments….(read more)

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Inflation is an inevitable economic phenomenon that erodes the purchasing power of money over time. As a result, investors are always on the lookout for investment options that provide adequate protection against inflation. Two such investment options that are often compared for their inflation protection are Ibonds and TIPS. Both of these fixed-income securities provide protection against inflation, but they differ in their structure and performance. In this article, we’ll discuss the features of Ibonds and TIPS and compare their effectiveness in protecting against inflation.

Ibonds

Ibonds, also known as US saving bonds, are issued by the US Treasury as a means of supporting small investments by individuals. They are a low-risk investment option that provides a fixed rate of return along with inflation protection. The return on Ibonds is a sum of the fixed interest rate and the inflation rate, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The interest rate on Ibonds is fixed for the life of the bond and adjusted every six months based on changes in the CPI. The interest is also tax-deferred until the bond is redeemed.

The maximum investment per fiscal year in Ibonds is $10,000 per Social Security Number, making them a popular choice for small investors. The maturity period of Ibonds is 30 years, but they can be redeemed after one year of purchase. If redeemed before five years of purchase, the bondholder will lose the interest of the last three months as a penalty.

TIPS

TIPS, or Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities, are also issued by the US Treasury and provide inflation protection to investors. TIPS differ from traditional fixed-income securities as they guarantee to protect against inflation. The rate of interest is fixed at the time of issuance, but principal value is adjusted for inflation, as measured by the CPI. The interest paid on TIPS is also tax-deferred but is subject to federal income tax.

Like Ibonds, TIPS have a maximum investment of $10,000 per Social Security Number, but they have a maturity period ranging from five to thirty years. TIPS offer higher yields than Ibonds, but they are more volatile than traditional bonds as their value fluctuates based on inflation. This can result in gains and losses on principal value.

Which is better for inflation protection, Ibonds or TIPS?

Both Ibonds and TIPS protect investors against inflation but in different ways. Ibonds adjust interest rates semi-annually to reflect changes in the CPI, while TIPS bonds adjust the principal value of the bond itself. Investors can choose either Ibonds or TIPS or a combination of both based on their individual investment objectives.

Ibonds are a better option for small investors with a lower risk appetite. They offer a fixed interest rate with inflation protection, and their principal value remains constant throughout the life of the bond. They also have a relatively shorter maturity period than TIPS, making them a more liquid investment option.

TIPS, on the other hand, are more suitable for investors who can tolerate higher levels of volatility. They offer higher yields than Ibonds, but their principal value fluctuates based on CPI changes. TIPS are also a better option for investors who want to hedge their portfolio against inflation for long periods, as they have a longer maturity period and can help offset inflation over the long-term.

In conclusion, both Ibonds and TIPS are effective investment options for inflation protection, but they have different structures and performance. Investors should consult with a financial advisor to determine which security best fits their individual investment objectives and risk tolerance. Investing in both Ibonds and TIPS can provide a diversified portfolio and provide additional protection against inflation.