What is the significant risk of investing solely in high-yield bond funds?

Investing solely in high-yield bond funds carries a significant risk primarily due to the higher credit risk associated with these types of bonds. High-yield bonds, often referred to as "junk bonds," are issued by companies or entities with lower credit ratings, which means there is a higher probability that these borrowers could default on their interest or principal payments. This increased chance of default directly translates to a riskier investment profile compared to higher-rated bonds, such as government securities or investment-grade corporate bonds.

The higher yields offered by these bonds are intended to compensate investors for taking on the additional credit risk. However, if defaults occur or if the issuer's creditworthiness deteriorates, the value of the bonds can significantly decline, leading to potential losses for investors. In summary, the characteristic of high credit risk makes high-yield bond funds particularly sensitive to changes in the credit landscape, affecting their performance and stability as an investment vehicle.