What is RDFI? (Pros, Cons, and Strategies)

Investing in fixed-income securities can be a prudent way to stabilize your portfolio against the volatility of equity markets. In this light, many investors turn to specialized funds like the Collaborative Investment Series Trust Rareview Dynamic Fixed Income Fund (RDFI). RDFI focuses on providing a diversified, dynamic approach to fixed-income investments. In this blog post, we'll delve into what RDFI is, along with its advantages, disadvantages, and effective strategies for investing.

What is RDFI?

The Collaborative Investment Series Trust Rareview Dynamic Fixed Income Fund, commonly known as RDFI, is a fixed-income mutual fund. This fund is managed by Rareview Capital, and it aims to deliver both capital preservation and income generation through an active, diversified approach to fixed-income securities.

The fund invests in a variety of fixed-income instruments, including corporate bonds, government securities, and other debt instruments. This mix is designed to provide stability and modest income growth, particularly suitable for risk-averse investors or those seeking a conservative investment approach.

Key Features of RDFI

• Active Management: Unlike passive funds that track a specific index, RDFI employs an active management strategy, allowing flexibility in asset allocation to capitalize on market opportunities.
• Dynamic Allocation: The fund can dynamically allocate assets across various fixed-income securities, adjusting as market conditions change.
• Focus on Risk Management: RDFI places a strong emphasis on capital preservation and risk management, implementing strategies to mitigate downside risks.

RDFI Composition

RDFI's portfolio typically includes a mix of high-quality corporate bonds, government securities, mortgage-backed securities, and other debt instruments. The fund's active management allows it to navigate different market environments by adjusting the allocation among these various fixed-income categories.

Pros of RDFI

Diversified Income

One of the significant advantages of RDFI is its diversified income sources. By investing in a variety of fixed-income securities, the fund spreads risk across different asset types and sectors, which can lead to more stable returns compared to concentrating in a single type of bond.

Active Risk Management

RDFI's active management provides an extra layer of risk control. The fund managers can quickly adapt to market changes, reducing exposure to more volatile sectors or increasing allocation to safer assets when needed.

Capital Preservation

RDFI prioritizes capital preservation, making it an attractive option for conservative investors. The fund aims to deliver consistent returns without significant volatility, which is particularly beneficial in uncertain market conditions.

Cons of RDFI

Higher Fees

One of the drawbacks of RDFI is the higher management fees compared to passive fixed-income funds. Because it employs an active management strategy, the costs associated with research, trading, and portfolio adjustments are higher, which can eat into overall returns.

Lower Yield Potential

While RDFI offers stability and diversification, its yield potential may be lower than riskier fixed-income investments. Investors looking for high yields may find this fund less attractive compared to high-yield bond funds or other aggressive fixed-income strategies.

Sensitivity to Interest Rates

Like all fixed-income funds, RDFI is sensitive to interest rate changes. An increase in interest rates can lead to a decline in bond prices, negatively impacting the fund's net asset value (NAV).

RDFI Investment Strategies

RDFI offers various advantages, but it's essential to apply the right investment strategies to maximize its potential. Below we discuss some effective strategies for investing in RDFI.

Long-term Investment Strategy

RDFI is best suited for long-term investors who prefer a diversified and conservative approach to fixed-income investing. Over an extended period, RDFI can provide steady income and capital preservation, making it ideal for retirement portfolios or as a stable component in a diversified investment strategy.

Tactical Allocation

Since RDFI allows dynamic allocation, investors can use a tactical allocation strategy to enhance returns. This involves adjusting the proportion of the portfolio invested in RDFI based on market conditions. For instance, during times of market uncertainty or expected volatility, increasing allocation to RDFI can offer a more stable return.

Income Reinvestment

To capitalize on the power of compounding, investors may reinvest the income generated by RDFI back into the fund. This reinvestment can lead to growth over time, enhancing long-term returns and providing a buffer against inflation.

Complementary Holdings

RDFI can be used as a complementary holding in a diversified portfolio. For instance, combining RDFI with equity funds or other higher-risk assets can balance risk and enhance overall portfolio stability.

Conclusion

RDFI, the Collaborative Investment Series Trust Rareview Dynamic Fixed Income Fund, offers a compelling blend of stability and modest growth through its diversified, actively managed approach to fixed-income securities. Its emphasis on capital preservation and risk management makes it an excellent choice for conservative investors or those looking to balance a more aggressive portfolio. While it does come with higher fees and potentially lower yield, the strategic benefits of RDFI make it a valuable consideration for long-term and income-focused investors.