Is LUBIX a Strong Bond Fund to Consider Right Now

Appleton: If you’re on the hunt for a solid bond fund, you might want to check out Thrivent Income Fund A, or LUBIX for short. It’s got a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank of 2, which is a good sign. This ranking is based on factors like size, cost, and how it’s performed in the past.

LUBIX focuses on intermediate investment-grade bonds, which means it deals with bonds that mature in more than three years but less than 15. These bonds usually come with medium risk and offer a decent yield compared to shorter-term options. Plus, since it’s investment-grade, it’s generally safer, though the yields are lower than those of junk bonds.

Thrivent, based in Appleton, Wisconsin, has been managing LUBIX since it launched in June 1972. The fund has about $232.14 million in assets, and Kent White has been at the helm since 2017.

When it comes to performance, LUBIX has a 5-year annualized return of 1.09%, which puts it in the middle of the pack among similar funds. If you look at the 3-year return, it’s at -1.54%, still in that middle range. Just keep in mind that these returns might not include all expenses, which could lower them.

Another thing to consider is the fund’s volatility. LUBIX has a standard deviation of 9.35% over the last three years, which is lower than the category average. This means it’s been less volatile than many of its peers. With a beta of 0.94, it’s also less volatile than the broader market, and it has a positive alpha of 1.82, indicating good risk-adjusted performance.

Now, let’s talk about costs. LUBIX has an expense ratio of 0.77%, which is slightly lower than the category average. It’s a load fund, and you’ll need a minimum initial investment of $2,000, with subsequent investments starting at $50.

In summary, Thrivent Income Fund A (LUBIX) looks like a solid option right now. With a high Zacks rank, decent performance, manageable risk, and lower fees, it could be a good fit for your investment strategy.

If you’re still exploring options for investment-grade bond funds, there’s plenty more info available. Check out Zacks.com for more insights and comparisons to help you make the best choice for your portfolio. And if you want the latest stock recommendations, you can download a free report on the best stocks for the next 30 days.