The term "bond strategies" refers to a set of techniques or methods used by investors in order to maximize their returns and minimize risks when buying bonds. These strategies can include diversification, which involves spreading investments across different types of bonds with varying maturity dates and credit ratings; laddering, where an investor purchases bonds with staggered maturity dates in order to take advantage of changing interest rates; and credit analysis, or evaluating the financial strength of a bond issuer in order to determine the likelihood of default. Other strategies may include using bond funds or ETFs (exchange-traded funds) for greater diversification and liquidity, as well as employing options or other derivatives to hedge against interest rate fluctuations.