What is a Pure Yield Pickup Swap?

A pure yield pickup swap describes an investing strategy where an investor exchanges lower yield bonds for higher yield bonds.

How Does a Pure Yield Pickup Swap Work?

In a pure yield pickup swap, an investor who holds bonds with lower yields purchases higher yield bonds using the proceeds from the sale of the former. For instance, an investor who holds a Treasury bond with a 4% yield may sell it in the market and use the proceeds to purchase a bond with a 7% yield.

Why Does a Pure Yield Pickup Swap Matter?

A pure yield pickup swap allows bond investors to conveniently and effectively shift the yield structure of their holdings through an exchange of more expensive, lower yield bonds for less expensive, higher yield bonds. Though an outwardly attractive option, investors should be aware that higher yields generally indicate higher risk.