Showing posts with label Bonds. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bonds. Show all posts

Types of High Yield Bonds

Posted by admin on Jun 15, 2011

High-yield bonds, sometimes referred to as "junk bonds" are the riskiest bonds, which is why many investors assume that the best to stay away from them. Some argue that the potential benefits of high-yield bond market simply not worth the risk. However, now high-yield bonds have a deeply ingrained part of the global financial sector for decades, knowledgeable investors have many opportunities for tapping into this market without taking on much risk.

The process can be tricky, and it requires a lot of legwork that is the reason of why many investors rely on companies to manage their high yield investments. But if you're willing to do all the research and preparation on your own, there are tactics you can use to best take advantage of this market.

Types of High-Yield Bonds
If the high yield market has grown, companies have increasingly creative with the shape and structure of the bond issues. The following varieties of the issues can be found in the market today:

Straight cash bonds, the high yield market "plain vanilla" bond with a fixed coupon interest paid in cash, usually in half yearly payments through the maturity or call date.

Split-coupon bonds offer an interest rate (coupon) rate in the first year of life of the bond, followed by half interest in later years. Split-coupon issues in which the interest rate increases in subsequent years are also called step-up notes.

Pay-in-kind bonds allow the issuer the option to pay the bondholder interest either in additional securities or cash.

Variable interest rates and rising-rate notes (IRNs) pay fluctuating or adjusted rates of interest based on a benchmark rate or a schedule of payments.

Extendable reset notes give the issuer the option to reset the coupon rate and the expansion of the bond maturity periodically or at the time of certain events. In exchange for this option, the bondholder is entitled to sell, or "move", the band returned to the issuer.

Deferred interest bonds pay no interest to the bondholder at a future date.

Zero-coupon bonds ("zeros") are sold at a deep discount to face value on the issue and pay no interest accrued until the bondholder at maturity.

Convertible bonds can be converted into shares of another security under the above conditions. Security is often the issuing company shares.

Multi-tranche bond debenture different levels of investments within the same subject. Typically, the levels vary in their targeted maturities and credit quality.

How to take advantage of the high yield bond market

As you can see, there are many different types of high-yield bonds, and of course there are many different types of offerings in each category. This diversity should suggest that the best tactic to invest in high-yield bond market: we must diversify.

First, high-yield bond investments are only a small segment of a complete investment portfolio. Financial managers recommend different things, but most agree that high-yield bonds investments should not be more than 10% of your portfolio. If you can afford to take more risk, then the number may rise. If you are more conservative in your investments is a better number than 5%.

Second, it is a good idea to various investments in each category of high-yield bonds. In short, the fundamental principle of investing: The more diverse the better. So, before diving into the high yield bond market, do your research to ensure that your investments are as wide ranging as possible.
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Government Bonds – Tips to invest

Posted by admin on Apr 8, 2011

Investing in bonds is one of the financial operations that have greater assurance to those who seek profits in the medium and long term. A bond is a debt security issued by a company or government organization. The main purpose of the bond is to raise capital in exchange for a return engagement with interests that include the benefit of the lender. The state bond system works the same way, in essence, that the bond system by a particular company. The main difference lies in the range of support that has government bonds: who wants to invest in government bonds should be aware that such issues are backed by national treasuries, and local courts. Before investing in government bonds, it is necessary to take into account the internal dynamics of financial exchange.

In principle, the bonds issued by the State, like other bonds, which have a fixed time is provided prior to the completion of the transaction: interest, payable monthly, bimonthly, or annually. It is depending on scheme fixed at the time of bond purchase. Thus, the system of interest is handled in ascending order, i.e. the higher the payment term of the bond, the higher the interest you receive as investor. After the period of maturity of the bond, it is the obligation to repay the principal plus all accrued interest within the stipulated time.

Investing in bonds also entails risks. As any financial transaction, there is a possibility that the commitments are not met. The difference is that financial transactions, which invests in government bonds reduces the default risk to a minimum. The bonds produced by private companies and individuals do not have the support in funds that do have government bonds, backed by national treasuries. Similarly, private companies are more prone to bankruptcy, which would entail the breach of obligations. Likewise, it is always desirable and advisable not to invest in high-risk bonds.

Is it advisable to invest in government bonds?

In this sense, for example, Investing in U.S. government bonds issued by the United States Treasury, is presented as an operation whose risk of capital loss and breach of the obligations is almost nil and nonexistent. Investing in bonds is a capital investment operation that could be called moderate and conservative and is both a very good strategy in times of insecurity and stock in times of crisis and major economic fluctuations. When under the objection of the State, the payment guarantee is much bigger: it is for others to know that a State has confidence in the macro and micro world; the fulfillment of financial obligations is prevalent.

To invest in government bonds is not necessary to have extensive knowledge on market economy. Who wants to invest in government bonds, in addition to possessing the capital necessary to perform the operation must take into account and provide for future economic fluctuations. Those who buy bonds at three and six years, should know that while profits are going to be minimal (interest earnings may be about 4%), risks will also be reduced.

Investing in bonds, as mentioned, is an operation that reduces and minimizes the risks, generating profits that, while not high, are in any case secure. To invest in government bonds, we must be informed and updated bulletins and official statements made by the State. They are released on the dates on which coupons will be auctioned. Bonds issued by the state are made by what is called an "auction", which can be competitive (large investors make bids for various high number of bonds) or noncompetitive (usually small investors with limited capital to choose the amount bond to be obtained).
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How to Invest in Bonds?

Posted by admin on Feb 25, 2011

Diversifying investments on your personal financial planning can cover the unexpected market movements. Both bonds and the stock market are the best options. Bonds can help balance your investment portfolio, especially in times of market volatility. Historically, a diversified portfolio provides profits with less risk than a portfolio with investments only in stock market. But before you bet on bonds, one must know what they are and how they operate.

How it work?

When you buy a bond, you are giving loan to the issuer. This issuer, who can be a company or the government, agrees to repay the loan with interest, within a given period of time.

The types of bonds offered are:

- Federal bonds. Are those issued by the State are mainly used to finance public debt and for government programs.

- State and municipal bonds, which are used to help finance roads, schools, hospitals, etc. projects.

- Bonds of public and private, that used to finance growth.

Interests and performance

The bonds pay interest a percentage set by the issuer. Typically, the issuer agrees to pay interest at regular intervals, i.e., quarterly or semiannually. The bond yield, which is the amount of money the investor receives for him, is calculated by dividing the annual amount earned on the price.

For example, a bonus $ 2000 paid a $ 120, has a yield of 6 percent (120 divided over 2000). The issuer typically reimburses the amount invested when the bond matures. Note that the bond price can fluctuate, that may influence performance, although the percentage of gain is the same.

Bond Maturity

The bond's maturity can reach 30 years issued. This implies that the bonus money expires and must be repaid. The zero coupon bond (Zero-coupon bond) is issued at a discount and returned at face value once you get to the amortization. For example, you could buy a bond discount of $ 600 and to return at maturity, $ 1200. All However, the refund amount at the time of maturity of the bond is not insured. Some investors prefer this type of bond because they can roughly estimate what their value.

Risk

Investments also can be diversified between bonds, as there are several types with different risk factors. Generally, high risks are those who are best dividends. The risk factors are:

- Upon the expiration of the bond. Here the bonus is subject to fluctuations in interest.
- Credit risk. The issuer may fail to pay the interest.
- Inflation risk. As in any investment, inflation can affect the interests of bonds.

Before the bond reaches its maturity, you can sell or buy at the market. If there is a change of ownership before its maturity, the price may fluctuate and that depends on the interests that time. When interest falls, the price of bonds rises and vice versa.

For example, you buy a bond $ 20,000 with interest at 5 percent. Five years later, another new bond similar costs $ 20,000, with interest at 6 percent. No buyer pays you $ 20,000 for a bond with an interest of 5 percent. Will have to offer a lower price than you paid in order to sell it. However, if the new bonds of $ 20000 offer an interest rate of 4 percent, you may sell your bond with 5 percent more money than you paid. Buyers usually pay more when interest is higher.

Learn how to invest in bonds, is something that a considerable number of individuals is raised to obtain shelter and to increase capital or absorb revenue amounts, while individuals examine the idea of how to save and secure the future of their children, as well education.

Be advised and informed properly, is a simple and safe way to succeed on our financial planning.

Happy investing :)
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Understanding Bonds – Guide to Beginner

Posted by admin on Feb 24, 2011

What are bonds?

Say you are in the supermarket with a friend on a Friday afternoon and see something you need for your home, a broom, for example. Despite receiving a paycheck the next day, ask your shopping buddy to borrow some money to buy the broom now, in return for not only will pay them tomorrow, but also buy dinner. Your friend, find these conditions acceptable, lending money and buying the item. This is essentially what happens in the business world, when a company issues bonds. In general, as a business grows, does not generate enough money internally to pay for supplies and equipment needed to maintain growth. Because of this, most companies have one of two options.

They can either:
1. Sell a part of the company to the general public by issuing additional shares, or may

2. The bond issue.

When a company issues bonds, it is borrowing money from investors in exchange for promises to pay interest at specified intervals over a period of time. In essence, the same as a mortgage only you, the investor, are the bank.

Why would anyone invest in bonds?

Almost everyone knows that in the long run, nothing is better than the stock market. This being the case, why would anyone invest in bonds? Although it’s pale in comparison with the actions in the long term, bonds have several features.

First is the preservation of capital. Unless a company declares bankruptcy, a bondholder can be almost completely sure that they will receive the amount originally invested. The shares, which are subordinated to bonds, are the most affected by unfavorable developments.

Second, the bonds pay interest at intervals of time, which can provide valuable income for retired couples, people, or those who need cash flow.

For example, if someone owned $ 100,000 in bonds paying 8% interest per annum (which would be $ 8,000 per year), a fraction of that interest will be sent to holders of bonds of the monthly or quarterly basis, giving them money to live or invest elsewhere. The bonds may also have tax advantages for some people. When a government or municipality issues of various types of bonds to raise money to build bridges, roads, etc., the interest you earn is tax free.

This can be especially advantageous for those who have retired or want to minimize your total tax liability.

Happy investing
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What is a Bond?

Posted by admin on Feb 22, 2011

Basically, a bond is simply an IOU in which an investor agrees to lend money to a company or government in exchange for a predetermined interest rate.

If a company wants to expand, one option is to borrow money from individual investors, pension funds or mutual funds. The company issues bonds with different interest rates and sell to the public. Investors purchase with the understanding that the company will have to repay the original principal (the amount the investor paid to the company), plus interest owed on a given date (this is called the "maturity" date.) A bondholder is mailed a check from the company at fixed intervals, in the United States; it is common for bonds to pay interest twice a year.

In some other countries, the bonds pay interest once a year. However, other bonds may pay interest monthly. It is entirely up to the "contract" governing the issuance of bonds. Unfortunately, these documents can be very difficult to obtain, unlike the 10K annual report or action. The interest rate that bondholders earn depends on the strength of the company issuing the bond.

For example, a blue chip company is more stable and has a lower risk of default on its debt. When companies like Exxon Mobile, General Electric, etc., issuing the bond, it may only pay interest at 7% or less. While a much less stable start to pay 10%. A general rule when investing in bonds is "the higher the interest rate, the increased risk of the bond."

Who can issue bonds? Governments, municipalities, a variety of institutions and corporations could issue a bond. There are many types of bonds, each with different characteristics and features. Some of the most notable are zero coupon and convertible. For new investors, one of the biggest risks of investing in bonds is something known as bond spreads. This huge hidden cost can result in thousands of dollars in losses if trade links often.
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Investment Bonds

Posted by admin on Oct 11, 2010

Yes, it is true that foresight fullness is required for doing your personal financial planning or portfolios. But it is also true that knowledge of investment is not a missile science but it needs a little study and financial research. When it comes to planning your financial retirement many people focus on the different types of accounts that you can use in which to defer payments or avoid taxes for a little while. But very few people discuss in depth the specific things in which you can invest those funds that you have so carefully squirreled away for the important day that is to come in the dark dank future that seems as though it will never arrive.

Bonds are not your typical high risk-high yield investment but they are very likely to earn a return for you. If you are not in dire straights for retirement funds this is a slow and steady way to build a decent retirement for yourself over time. If you are in the final hour this is an investment style that might be more than slightly too timid for your specific needs. There are other more investment strategies that will be discussed elsewhere.

There are essentially three different types of bonds: corporate bonds, municipal bonds, and government bonds.

Corporations trying to raise funds for ventures such as building new facilities or launching new product lines typically issue corporate bonds. The interest on these bonds is taxable. As a result these bonds tend to pay higher and are better retirement investment options than government or municipal bonds.

I have said before and will continue to say that there are no sure things when it comes to investing. While many bonds tend to be safer than some of the other investments on the surface there are significant risks involved when investing in bonds that would be negligent to overlook. Where you find the risks of market ups and downs when investing in stocks, mutual funds, and options the risk is that yours may lose value. When it comes to bonds the risks include the following: default, changes in the interest rate, and inflation. The risks for some are far weightier than the benefits of a slow and 'steady' investment.

You should really carefully consider whether or not bond investing is a good idea of your personal financial planning along with your nerves. We weren't all born with nerves of steal, for this reason it is probably a good idea to carefully decide whether or not you are comfortable with the risks that bonds introduce into your investment picture.

I always recommend that you take the time to discuss your plans and goals with a financial planner before taking the plunge and making any major financial decisions whether they concern your retirement or your child's college fund. These all affect your future and the security you can provide your family when the time comes. A good financial adviser can help you weigh the pros and cons of investing in bonds and help you decide whether or not the potential payout on these bonds is worth the risks that are involved in the process. This is not the case for everyone. I tend to be a more cautious investor than most and will think long and hard before investing on things that I do not consider a carefully crafted and calculated risk.

Only you can decide whether or not you are comfortable with the idea of investing in bonds when it comes to your financial retirement hopes and dreams. I hope you will discuss this with our adviser and carefully consider the ramifications of this decision. Read from a book, magazines, or a blog -like this blog :) - may adding our knowledge. So the hope is we do have a good portfolios of our personal financial planning
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