Bonds: All Newbies Need to Know

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Bonds, though not as flashy as stocks, have steadily carved a niche for themselves in the investment landscape. They offer stability, predictable returns, and form an essential part of a well-diversified portfolio. But with numerous types and terminologies, they can seem daunting. Let’s break it down.

Bonds 101: The Basics

Bonds are essentially IOUs where the borrower, typically a government or corporation, promises to pay back the amount borrowed at the end of a specified period, along with regular interest payments. This interest, termed as a coupon, is the primary way investors earn returns on their bond investments.

When you invest in a bond, the total amount you put in is called the bond price. The returns you earn from a bond, expressed as a percentage of this bond price, is known as the bond yield.

Government Bonds

One of the most secure investment avenues, government bonds are issued by both Central and State Governments. These bonds or Government securities (G-Secs) are primarily long-term investment instruments, with tenures ranging from 5 to 40 years.

Types of Government Bonds Include:

Fixed-rate bonds: Offer a constant interest rate throughout their tenure, ensuring predictable returns.

Floating Rate Bonds (FRBs): Their interest rates vary periodically based on predefined intervals.

Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs): A smart alternative to physical gold, allowing investment in gold without the hassles of storage. The bonus? Tax-free interest.

Inflation-Indexed Bonds: These bonds adjust both the principal and interest earned against inflation, ensuring your returns aren’t eaten away by rising prices.

Zero-Coupon Bonds: These don’t offer regular interest. Instead, they’re issued at a discount to their face value and redeemed at face value.

Why Consider Government Bonds?

Sovereign Guarantee: A promise of assured returns and principal repayment.

Protection Against Inflation: Certain bonds like Inflation-Indexed Bonds safeguard your investment against rising prices.

Steady Income: Regular semi-annual interest payments.

However, remember, the interest rate might be relatively lower than some other investment instruments, and long-term bonds can lose relevance with high inflation.

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Corporate and Other Bonds

Apart from the government, many private and public sector companies issue bonds, known as corporate bonds, to meet their capital needs. They often offer better returns than traditional savings accounts.

Some Other Notable Bonds Include:

Convertible Bonds: Can be converted into equity shares of the issuing company.

RBI Bonds: A safe offering with an attractive 7.75% interest rate, open for individual investors.

T-Bills vs Bonds: Government securities with less than a year maturity are termed T-bills, while those over a year are called bonds.

Residual Maturity is key

While the tenure of a bond might seem like the most crucial factor, residual maturity – the remaining time for a bond’s maturity – is often more pertinent. For instance, a bond issued for 10 years will have a residual maturity of 8 years after two years from its issuance.

Focusing on residual maturity, rather than just the bond’s overall tenure, helps investors make informed decisions, especially when considering long-term instruments like Public Provident Fund (PPF) PPF or Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY), the two tax-efficient government savings schemes that offer good interest rates.

Bonds with Benefits

With a myriad of options available, bonds can cater to various investment needs, from risk-averse individuals to those seeking regular income or protection against inflation. However, as with any investment, it’s crucial to understand your financial goals, risk appetite, and ensure a diversified portfolio.

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