The comparison should be with a "real, " or inflation-adjusted, bond yield because real estate values tend to keep up with inflation.

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Consider using I-bonds or TIPS in your bond allocation since these bonds are adjusted for inflation.

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He suggests working out a deal with your broker in which the net cost of the trade to you is an agreed-upon markup, adjusted up or down by the movement of wholesale bond prices for the brief period when you are on the sidelines.

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Most important, at least so far, bond funds have generally offered better risk-adjusted performance .

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Investors are investing their money in search of risk-adjusted returns, the same way as they would in a stock or bond.

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Though most gurus disagree, PIMCO's bond maven, Bill Gross , does admit to buying inflation-adjusted Treasurys.

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The Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Market Index and the newer U.S. Aggregate Float Adjusted Index are composed of investment grade U.S. bonds.

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In the bond sector, quality beat junk and Treasuries beat munis, but not tax adjusted.

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