What are bonds and why should you invest in them? -

When it comes to investment options, bonds are often considered a fundamental component of a well-diversified portfolio. They offer stability, income, and a relatively lower level of risk compared to other investment avenues.

In this blog, we delve into the world of bonds, exploring what they are, the different types of bonds available, how they work, and how investors can make money from them.

What are bonds?

Bonds are fixed-income securities that represent a loan made by an investor to a borrower, typically a corporation, municipality, or government entity.

In essence, when you invest in a bond, you are lending money to the issuer for a specified period at a predetermined interest rate, called the coupon rate. 

The issuer promises to repay the principal amount, also known as the face value or par value, at maturity.

What are the types of bonds?

Government bonds: These are issued by national governments to fund public spending and manage their fiscal policies. Treasury bonds, also known as T-bonds, are examples of government bonds. They are considered the safest form of bonds as they are backed by the full faith and credit of the government.

Corporate bonds: Companies issue corporate bonds to raise capital for various purposes, such as expanding operations, acquiring assets, or refinancing existing debt. Corporate bonds offer higher yields compared to government bonds but also carry a higher level of risk. The creditworthiness of the company issuing the bond plays a significant role in determining its interest rate.

Municipal bonds: Municipal bonds, or munis, are issued by state or local governments to finance public projects such as schools, hospitals, or infrastructure development. These bonds are often exempt from federal taxes and may also offer tax advantages at the state and local levels.

How do bonds work?

When you purchase a bond, you are essentially becoming a creditor to the issuer. The bond’s principal value represents the amount you will receive at maturity. The issuer pays periodic interest, usually semi-annually, based on the coupon rate. The interest payments are fixed, providing a predictable income stream.

Let’s say you decide to invest in a government bond. You purchase a 5-year bond with a face value of $1,000 and a coupon rate of 3%. This means that the government issuer will pay you $30 annually (3% of $1,000) as interest income. The bond has a maturity date of 5 years.

Every year, you receive an interest payment of $30, which is typically paid semi-annually ($15 every six months). At the end of the 5-year period, when the bond matures, the government issuer will repay you the face value of $1,000.

So, in this example, over the 5-year period, you would receive a total of $150 in interest payments ($30 per year) and the $1,000 face value at maturity. By investing in this government bond, you earn a fixed income stream and will eventually get back the principal amount you initially invested.

Bonds also have a secondary market where they can be bought and sold before maturity. The market price of a bond may fluctuate based on various factors such as changes in interest rates, creditworthiness of the issuer, and prevailing market conditions. If you sell a bond before its maturity date, you may receive more or less than the face value, depending on the prevailing market rates.

How to make money from bonds

Coupon payments: As a bondholder, you earn income through the periodic coupon payments made by the issuer. The coupon rate, expressed as a percentage of the bond’s face value, determines the amount you will receive. For example, if you hold a $10,000 bond with a 5% coupon rate, you would receive $500 annually.

Capital appreciation: If interest rates decrease after you purchase a bond, its value in the secondary market may increase. Investors are willing to pay a premium for higher-yielding bonds, driving up their prices. In such a scenario, you can sell the bond at a higher price than you initially paid, earning a capital gain.

Bond laddering: By investing in bonds with different maturities, you can create a bond ladder. This strategy helps manage interest rate risk and provides regular cash flows. As each bond matures, you reinvest the principal into a new bond with a longer maturity, potentially benefiting from higher interest rates.

Conclusion

For an investor, bonds work by providing a fixed income stream through periodic interest payments and returning the principal amount at maturity. You can earn money from bonds through coupon payments, capital appreciation if the bond’s market value increases, and various strategies such as bond laddering. 

Generally, bonds offer stability and can be an attractive investment option for those seeking regular income and lower risk compared to other investments.

Disclaimer: This material has been presented for informational and educational purposes only. The views expressed in the articles above are generalized and may not be appropriate for all investors. The information contained in this article should not be construed as, and may not be used in connection with, an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy or hold, an interest in any security or investment product. There is no guarantee that past performance will recur or result in a positive outcome. Carefully consider your financial situation, including investment objective, time horizon, risk tolerance, and fees prior to making any investment decisions. No level of diversification or asset allocation can ensure profits or guarantee against losses. Articles do not reflect the views of DABA ADVISORS LLC and do not provide investment advice to Daba’s clients.