Why might investors choose to invest in junk bonds?

Junk bonds, also known as high-yield bonds, are issued by firms with lower credit ratings and therefore higher default risk. To compensate investors for this additional risk, these bonds offer higher interest rates than investment-grade bonds. From a financial management and portfolio perspective, investors may include junk bonds to enhance portfolio returns, particularly when they believe default risk is overstated or when economic conditions are favorable. Junk bonds do not guarantee returns and are not backed by government guarantees, making options A and D incorrect. They also do not consistently outperform equities, especially during periods of financial stress. Option B accurately reflects the risk–return tradeoff that underpins investment decisions in capital market theory: higher expected returns are associated with higher risk.