A portfolio strategy that involves constructing a portfolio of individual bonds (or broadly similar types of fixed-income securities/ products such as certificates of deposit) that mature on different dates (in a laddering style or staggered fashion).

This strategy aims to generate current income from component securities with a minimized interest rate risk. The component securities are set to mature at staggered future dates, with the proceeds from maturing securities being used to reinvest in securities that will mature in the future periods.

A laddering strategy is designed to help investors construct diversified portfolios that can generate steady cash streams over spread maturities.