The long-running bull market in bonds continues to defy bearish forecasts, as shown by a set of exchange-traded funds. Positive year-to-date performance in all the major corners of fixed income continues to offer a stark counterpoint to analysts who expect trouble.
Long-term corporate bonds continue to lead the field by a wide margin for 2019 results. The Vanguard Long-Term Corporate Bond Index ETF ([[VCLT]]) is up 20.9% for the year through Tuesday's close (October 15). The gain far outpaces the broad investment-grade benchmark for US fixed income via the Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF ([[BND]]),