Why Will Yields Remain Low After COVID and What Can Investors Do About It?

December 02, 2020

As we head into the 2020 year-end holiday season on the heels of positive vaccine news and an all but formally concluded presidential election, investors are turning their attention to what the state of the world economy and financial markets might look like as we potentially return to normal in 2021 and beyond. One key question being asked is where interest rates and bond yields might be headed.

In this newsletter, we explore why we are in such an ultra-low yield environment as well as what key structural transformations need to take place for rates to meaningfully rise to higher levels. Last, we devise a recommended plan of action for how asset owners can address this persistent ultra-low yield environment — even after a COVID recovery — in order to achieve return or volatility targets.

Read > Why Will Yields Remain Low After COVID and What Can Investors Do
About It?

 

The opinions expressed herein are those of Marquette Associates, Inc. (“Marquette”), and are subject to change without notice. This material is not financial advice or an offer to purchase or sell any product. Marquette reserves the right to modify its current investment strategies and techniques based on changing market dynamics or client needs.

The opinions expressed herein are those of Marquette Associates, Inc. (“Marquette”), and are subject to change without notice. This material is not financial advice or an offer to purchase or sell any product. Marquette reserves the right to modify its current investment strategies and techniques based on changing market dynamics or client needs.

Related Content

10.22.2026

Will Higher Rates Cramp the Markets?

Anyone who has run a marathon knows the last six miles are brutal — no matter how well the first…

Line chart comparing S&P 500 Index cumulative returns for midterm and non-midterm election years since 1980. The x-axis shows October through December, and the y-axis shows S&P 500 Index cumulative return, ranging from -1% to 8%. For full dataset, please contact marquettemarketing@marquetteassociates.com.

10.19.2026

Divided We Rise?

Since 1980, the S&P 500 Index has generally performed well in the weeks surrounding U.S. midterm elections. Specifically, the index…

10.08.2026

3Q 2026 Market Insights Webinar

LIVE WEBINAR — OCTOBER 22 Please join Marquette’s research team for our 3Q 2026 Market Insights Webinar…

Bar chart showing average monthly VIX levels from 1990 through October 2026. The x-axis displays months of the year from January through December, and the y-axis displays VIX level. October has the highest average VIX level among all months, while April has the lowest. The chart also includes a current VIX level and a long-term average VIX level for comparison. Source: Bloomberg as of October 2, 2026. Data series begins in 1990. For full dataset, please contact marquettemarketing@marquetteassociates.com.

10.05.2026

Spooky Season

For investors, the spookiest thing about October might not be the ghosts and monsters that are bound to show up…

Line chart showing 10-year U.S. Treasury rate, 5-year/5-year breakeven inflation rate, and 10-year real yield from December 2025 through September 2026. The left axis shows rates from 3.6% to 5.4%, and the right axis from 1.6% to 3.0%. The Treasury rate and real yield rise notably in late 2026, while the breakeven inflation rate remains relatively range-bound around 2.3%–2.4%. For full dataset, please contact marquettemarketing@marquetteassociates.com.

09.28.2026

Getting Real on Inflation

The phrase “expectations of higher inflation” has become a staple in financial news to explain the increase in nominal U.S….

Dual-axis line chart comparing LBO/M&A/Recapitalization Activity, its average level, and the SOFR (90-Day) rate from 3Q18 through 2Q26. LBO/M&A/Recapitalization Activity ranges from approximately $0 billion to $100 billion, while SOFR ranges from 0% to approximately 5%. For full dataset, please contact marquettemarketing@marquetteassociates.com.

09.21.2026

Let’s Make a Deal

For much of the past several years, the conventional view has been that higher interest rates and stretched valuations would…

More articles

Subscribe to Research Email Alerts

Research Email Alert Subscription

Research alerts keep you updated on our latest research publications. Simply enter your contact information, choose the research alerts you would like to receive and click Subscribe. Alerts will be sent as research is published.

We respect your privacy. We will never share or sell your information.

Thank You

We appreciate your interest in Marquette Associates.

If you have questions or need further information, please contact us directly and we will respond to your inquiry within 24 hours.

Contact Us >