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Bond yield explained

Understand why coupon rate is fixed at issuance.

In this lesson

Bond yield explained is part of Stocks and Bonds Basics. This preview shows how investment-universe connects to everyday family decisions such as earning, saving, spending choices, goals, approvals, or parent-guided money conversations inside Progress Penguin.

Today’s money mission

Imagine this situation: You buy a bond with 100000 in local currency face value and a 12% coupon for 90000 in local currency (below face value).

What you need to know

Coupon rate is fixed at issuance. Yield changes with price. Buy at face value: yield = coupon. Buy below face value: yield > coupon (you earn the same income on less outlay). Buy above face value: yield < coupon. Yield to maturity accounts for all cash flows — the most complete measure.

Real-life example

Real-life money moment: You buy a bond with 100000 in local currency face value and a 12% coupon for 90000 in local currency (below face value). What is your effective yield? The key lesson is: When you buy a bond below face value, your actual yield (return on money invested) exceeds the coupon rate.

Progress Penguin connection

Open the investment simulator and buy a bond at a 5% discount to face value. Calculate the yield to maturity — it will be higher than the coupon rate. Now buy the same bond at a 5% premium. The yield to maturity will be lower. Price and yield move in opposite directions.

Activity preview

Try the money challenge

Run the investment model and test: coupon rate is fixed at issuance. Adjust one variable — time, rate, or amount — and note which has the biggest effect on the final balance.

Try one real money action

Open Tasks and submit proof for one task, or open Requests and make a deposit request. Parent approval can happen later.

Quiz preview

Bond 'yield' means:

The printed condition and quality rating of the bond certificate
The return you earn from the bond
Bond size
Bond age

You buy a bond with 100000 in local currency face value and a 12% coupon for 90000 in local currency (below face value). What is your effective yield?

Higher than 12% — you paid 90000 in local currency but receive 12000 in local currency coupon annually. Yield: 12,000/90,000=13.3%
12% — same as the coupon over the longer term given the circumstances
Lower than 12% — discount means lower return in practical terms
0% — discounts eliminate returns in practical terms given the circumstances
Bond yield explained | Financial Literacy for Kids | Progress Penguin