In the wake of increasing yields in 2023, U.S. fintech companies known for democratising stock trading are now expanding into the fixed-income market to cater to the growing interest of retail investors. Firms like Public, Wealthfront, and Apex Fintech Solutions are launching new offerings that aim to simplify and reduce costs for individuals looking to invest in fixed-income assets such as Treasuries and corporate bonds.
US Fintech Firms Offer Fixed-Income Products to Retail Traders
Despite uncertainty about whether bonds will ignite the same excitement as stocks, these fintechs leverage high Federal Reserve interest rates to attract retail interest. They are introducing features akin to stock trading, including low-cost options, educational tools, user-friendly apps, and fractionalised investments.
Public, for instance, has begun allowing customers to invest in smaller portions of bonds, with plans to expand the offerings. The push into fixed income is driven partly by the historical challenge associated with trading bonds for amateur investors, which has traditionally been a cumbersome and expensive process.
With the 10-year Treasury note yield hitting significant highs, bonds are seen as increasingly competitive with stocks, prompting more retail investors to consider them viable investment options.
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As yields remain comparatively high and the fintech industry continues to innovate, retail investors are increasingly drawn to bonds for their potential returns and tax benefits. The shift is marked by a significant uptick in individual purchases of Treasury bills and a growing interest in bond ETFs and individual bonds.
However, as the market evolves and interest rates decrease, these fintech platforms may need to adapt their offerings to suit changing investor needs and economic cycles.
