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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.

Think about this money choice

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).

How it works

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.

Apply it to a real decision

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.

Activity preview

Connect the ideas

Use the lesson to complete this short practice activity.

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