Bonds are a key investment for fixed income investors, representing a loan from an investor to a borrower. They are considered one of the safest investments due to their fixed interest payments and eventual return of the principal amount. A bond's coupon rate is equal to its yield to maturity when the bond is purchased at par. Learn about some components of bonds and how they play a crucial role in the financial markets.
Distressed securities are financial instruments put out by a company that is near or is currently going through bankruptcy. These securities can be risky but also offer high potential returns for investors willing to take on the risk. It is important for investors to carefully evaluate the financial health of the issuing company before investing in distressed securities.
Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) are a type of Treasury security issued by the U.S. government. TIPS are indexed to inflation to protect investors from the eroding effects of inflation. These securities provide a safe haven for investors looking to preserve the purchasing power of their investments.
Seasoned investors know the importance of diversification. Creating a portfolio that mixes asset classes—stocks, currencies, derivatives, commodities, and bonds—can help reduce risk and maximize returns. Bonds play a crucial role in a diversified portfolio by providing a stable source of income and capital preservation.
Interest rate sensitivity is a measure of how much the price of a fixed-income asset will fluctuate as a result of changes in interest rates. Bonds with longer maturities or lower coupon rates are more sensitive to changes in interest rates. Investors should consider the interest rate sensitivity of their bond investments when constructing their portfolios.
Interest rates are divided into subcategories. Smart investors look beyond the nominal or coupon rate of a bond or loan to see if it fits their investment objectives. Factors such as credit risk, inflation expectations, and market conditions can impact the overall return on a bond investment.
Bonds don't trade like stocks. The pricing mechanisms that cause changes in the bond market may not seem nearly as intuitive as seeing a stock or mutual fund price fluctuate on a daily basis. Understanding bond pricing and market dynamics is essential for investors looking to build a successful bond portfolio.
Find out how to calculate the yield to maturity of a zero-coupon bond, and learn why this calculation is simpler than one with a bond that has a coupon. Zero-coupon bonds are issued at a discount to their face value and do not pay periodic interest payments. Investors can calculate the yield to maturity of a zero-coupon bond to determine its expected rate of return at maturity.
