T-Bills & Singapore Government Bonds - A Revisit as an Investment Choice

In recent months, the economic ecosystem has been heavily influenced by fluctuating interest rates. The run-up to September 2024 US Federal Reserve's anticipated rate cuts have sparked discussions about the future of fixed-income investments.

For many investors, particularly those seeking safety and stability, this environment raises important questions about where to allocate funds.

T-Bills and Singapore Government Bonds (SG Bonds) stand out as compelling options for risk-averse investors looking for capital preservation and steady returns. This article will delve into the features, benefits, and investment strategies associated with these instruments.

Understanding T-Bills and SG Bonds

T-Bills:

Treasury Bills (T-Bills) are short-term debt securities issued by the Singapore government. They are typically available in maturities of 6 months or one year and are sold at a discount to their face value. Upon maturity, investors receive the full face value, which includes the interest earned.

The risk profile of T-Bills is notably low. Backed by the Singapore government, which holds a 'AAA' credit rating, they are considered one of the safest investment options available. Yields on T-Bills are influenced by several factors, including monetary policy decisions and prevailing market interest rates.

Below is a summary of the historical yields for Singapore's 6-month and 1-year T-Bills from 2019 to 2024.

6-Month T-Bill Yields (2019–2024):

Source: Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)

1-Year T-Bill Yields (2019–2024):

Source: Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)

These yields reflect the return investors receive by holding the T-Bills until maturity. The fluctuations in yields are influenced by factors such as global economic conditions, inflation expectations, and central bank policies.

For instance, the 6-month T-Bill yield reached a high of 3.64% in July 2024, indicating a period of higher interest rates. Conversely, the 1-year T-Bill yield declined to 2.71% in October 2024, suggesting a downward trend in interest rates during that period.

SG Bonds:

Singapore Government Bonds (SG Bonds), on the other hand, are long-term debt securities with maturities ranging from 2 to 50 years. They can be classified into conventional bonds and Islamic bonds, catering to different investor preferences.

The yield on Singapore's 10-year government bonds has experienced notable fluctuations from 2019 to 2024, influenced by credit ratings, global economic conditions such as inflation expectations, monetary policies, and investor sentiment. Like T-Bills, SG Bonds benefit from the backing of the Singapore government, ensuring a low default risk.

Analysis:

• 2019: The average yield was 1.74%, reflecting a stable economic environment with moderate growth expectations.
• 2020: The yield dropped significantly to 0.84%, primarily due to the global economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Investors sought safe-haven assets, driving bond prices up and yields down.
• 2021: A recovery phase saw yields rise to an average of 1.66% as economies began reopening and growth prospects improved.
• 2022: Yields surged to 3.11%, influenced by global inflationary pressures and expectations of tighter monetary policies.
• 2023: The average yield moderated to 2.71% as inflation concerns eased and central banks adopted a more cautious approach.
• 2024: As of November 5, the average yield stands at 2.87%, indicating a period of relative stability with balanced economic indicators.

These trends highlight the sensitivity of bond yields to macroeconomic factors and monetary policy decisions. Investors should monitor these dynamics closely, as they directly impact bond market performance and investment strategies.

Why Consider T-Bills and SG Bonds?

Safety and Security:

The creditworthiness of the Singapore government is a primary reason to consider T-Bills and SG Bonds. With no history of default, these investments provide peace of mind during economic downturns. They serve as a safe haven for capital preservation.

Steady Returns:

Despite recent yield declines, T-Bills and SG Bonds can still offer consistent returns in a low-interest-rate environment. For retirees or those nearing retirement, these instruments can provide a stable income stream without exposing them to high levels of risk.

Liquidity:

Both T-Bills and SG Bonds offer liquidity advantages. Investors can easily buy and sell these securities in the secondary market, allowing for flexibility in managing investments. This liquidity is crucial for those who may need access to their funds on short notice.

How to Invest in T-Bills and SG Bonds

The investment requirements for Singapore Treasury Bills (T-Bills) and Singapore Government Securities (SG) Bonds are as follows:

Minimum Investment: For both T-Bills and SG Bonds, the minimum investment is SGD 1,000, and additional investments must be made in increments of SGD 1,000. Maximum Investment: While there is technically no set maximum for individual ownership, allotment limits at auctions may restrict high-value bids, especially above SGD 1 million, depending on demand and bid type (competitive or non-competitive)

Direct Investment:

Investors can buy T-Bills and SG Bonds directly through the Singapore Government Securities (SGS) platform. The minimum investment amount for both instruments is SGD 1,000. To purchase them directly:

• Open a bank account with DBS/POSB, OCBC, or UOB.
• Set up a Central Depository (CDP) account linked to your bank account.
• Use internet banking or ATMs to apply for T-Bills or SG Bonds.

For CPFIS applications, ensure you have a CPFIS account with one of the participating banks[3][4].

Indirect Investment:

Alternatively, investors may choose to invest through financial intermediaries such as banks or robo-advisors. This method can simplify the investment process but may involve additional fees or charges that should be considered before proceeding.

The Role of T-Bills and SG Bonds in a Diversified Portfolio

Risk Management:

Incorporating T-Bills and SG Bonds into an investment portfolio can help reduce overall volatility. These instruments act as ballast during turbulent market conditions, providing stability when equities may be underperforming.

Rebalancing:

Regularly rebalancing your portfolio is essential to maintain your desired asset allocation. As market conditions change, reallocating funds into T-Bills or SG Bonds can help manage risk effectively while ensuring that your portfolio remains aligned with your financial goals.

Wrapping Up

T-Bills and Singapore Government Bonds present viable investment choices for those prioritising safety and steady returns. Their low-risk nature makes them particularly appealing in uncertain economic times.

As interest rates fluctuate, these instruments continue to hold value in an investor's portfolio by providing capital preservation alongside consistent income streams.

Consider including T-Bills and SG Bonds into your investment strategy to achieve your financial objectives while minimising risk exposure. Investing wisely today can pave the way for a secure financial future tomorrow.