Why do some bonds sell at a premium some at par and some at a discount?
For example, a bond with a par value of $1,000 is selling at a premium when it can be bought for more than $1,000 and is selling at a discount when it can be bought for less than $1,000. Bonds can be sold for more and less than their par values because of changing interest rates.
Why are bonds issued at a discount?
While the investor receives the same coupon, the bond is discounted to match prevailing market yields. Discounts also occur when the bond supply exceeds demand when the bond’s credit rating is lowered, or when the perceived risk of default increases.
Why would a bond trade at premium and at discount to its par value in the market?
A bond might trade at a premium because its interest rate is higher than the current market interest rates. The company’s credit rating and the bond’s credit rating can also push the bond’s price higher. Investors are willing to pay more for a creditworthy bond from the financially viable issuer.
Why the yield of a bond that trades at a discount exceeds the bond’s coupon rate?
Because the value of the bond is discounted, the return on the bond is reduced and the yield exceeds the coupon.
What is par premium and discount?
When a bond is sold for more than the par value, it sells at a premium. A premium occurs if the bond is sold at, for example, $1,100 instead of its par value of $1,000. Conversely to a discount, a premium occurs when the bond has a higher interest rate than the market interest rate (or a better company history).
What is discount bond and premium bond?
A premium bond has a coupon rate higher than the prevailing interest rate for that bond maturity and credit quality. A discount bond, in contrast, has a coupon rate lower than the prevailing interest rate for that bond maturity and credit quality. An example may clarify this distinction.
Are all bonds issued at par?
Par Value of Bonds
Bonds are not necessarily issued at their par value. They could also be issued at a premium or at a discount depending on the level of interest rates in the economy. A bond that is trading above par is said to be trading at a premium, while a bond trading below par is trading at a discount.
What is a bond issued at par?
If, when a company issues a new bond, it receives the face value of the security, the bond is said to have been issued at par. If the issuer receives less than the face value for the security, it is issued at a discount.