Fixed-income instruments and markets are typically categorised along three dimensions: issuer type (often known as sector), credit quality, and time to maturity. Sometimes, instruments and markets are additionally classified by issuers’ geography, currency, and ESG characteristics. In contrast to equities, where issuers typically issue just one or two instruments, issuers often have many fixed-income instruments outstanding. A…
Fixed-income securities are subject to different legal and regulatory requirements depending on where they are issued and traded, as well as who holds them. Based on the jurisdictions of the issuer and the issuance, a bond can be classified as a domestic, foreign, or Eurobond. This classification has legal, tax, and regulatory implications for issuers…
A contingency provision is a clause in a legal agreement that allows for an action if an event or circumstance occurs. The most common contingency provisions for bonds involve the right—but not the obligation—for an issuer or the bondholders to take an action specified in an indenture. Callable Bonds An issuer of a callable bond has…
The most common bond cash flow structure is that of a standard fixed-coupon bond, often referred to as a bullet bond. The bond issuer receives the principal at settlement, makes periodic, fixed coupon payments, and repays the principal at maturity. Most government and corporate issuers use bullet bonds as their primary means of debt financing,…
Bond Indentures A legal contract that describes the form of the bond, the obligations of the issuer, and the rights of the bondholders. This legal contract is referred to as the bond indenture. Sources of Repayment The sources of bond repayment vary among issuers and are a key factor in determining a bond’s relative risk. …
Fixed-income instruments are debt instruments, such as loans and bonds. Loans are debt instruments formed and governed by a private agreement usually between an individual or company and a financial intermediary, such as bank. Bonds or fixed-income securities are more standardised contractual agreements between larger issuers and investors. A bond issuer borrows money most often…