Getting more money is never simple, but every business needs it to stay open and develop. In the long run, companies can't handle the hefty interest rates that come with bank loans.
At that moment, bonds are helpful. The Straight Bond is one of the simplest kinds. Some people call it a "plain bond." It pays the investor interest on a regular basis and gives back the principal when it matures.
It's like giving a friend money. They promise to pay you back by a certain date and provide you interest in the interim. That's the major point of the Straight Bond. Meaning: it's basic, easy to grasp, and surprisingly popular with new investors.
That's just the start, though. Let's talk about how Straight Bonds function, what makes them different, and why you should think about them.
How Does Straight Bonds Work?
Businesses and governments always need to make money. Companies do this by selling bonds, which are like loans that consumers give them in exchange for interest.
The Straight Bond is the easier kind. They pay a set amount of interest every month, and when the loan is due, they pay back the principal, or face value. Both sides win: issuers pay less interest on loans, while investors like that they know what to expect.
Investors don't have to stay in for long. They can sell bonds before they mature, and they normally do this to make money by taking advantage of how the market is moving. But a lot of people choose to maintain them for a monthly income.
This is a simple explanation:
Value and Issuance
For five years, a corporation issues a Straight Bond with a face value of ₹1,000 and a coupon rate of 6% per year.
Income from Interest
Buying at face value gives you ₹60 a year. That's ₹300 in interest over five years. You get your ₹1,000 back when the debt is paid off.
For the Issuer
The company gets money and doesn't have to pay a lot of interest. Investors, on the other hand, make money continuously with no risk.
Both the people who issue and the people who buy Straight Bonds benefit. Investors can be guaranteed that they will get their money back, and issuers can borrow money rapidly.
Characteristics of Straight Bonds
There are a few simple reasons why straight bonds are good. Let's have a look at the essential ones:
Payments with a Fixed Interest Rate
These bonds promise a specified interest rate that was set when they were sold. You make payments on a regular basis until the debt is paid off. People who invest like them because they are dependable and easy to predict, especially when the markets are unstable.
Set the Date of Maturity
There is a time when every Straight Bond will end. At this point, the issuer must return the investor's original amount, which makes them less risky than other investments.
Return of Principal at Maturity
The face value, or the amount that was first put in, is refunded when the investment matures. Straight bonds are a good choice for cautious investors who want both safety and earnings because they promise to keep your money safe.
Advantages of Investing in Straight Bonds
Straight bonds may seem straightforward, but they have certain unique benefits:
Money Coming in All the Time
Investors earn interest payments on a regular basis, which means they always have money flowing in. People who want their money to stay stable instead of growing quickly typically find that straight bonds are a great long-term investment.
Less Likely to Take Chances
Bonds that are easy to grasp are safer than stocks or bonds that are hard to understand. Fixed interest rates and payback terms protect against changes in the market, which makes them a safer choice for investors who are careful.
Preserved Capital
Investors don't have to worry about losing their principal amount because the issuer pays back the face value when the bond matures. Many people acquire Straight Bonds to protect their money.
The Good Things About Rates of Interest
When interest rates go down, straight bonds that are already on the market may become more appealing. New bonds pay less interest, which makes existing bonds look better. This gives investors a chance to sell them for more cash.
Risks Associated with Straight Bonds
Let's not waste any time. Straight bonds are a bit of a risk. Like any other type of financial instrument, they have a lot of problems:
Interest Rates Are a Risk
When interest rates go up, the market value of Straight Bonds that are already out there goes down. If you sell before maturity, you could lose money since investors are looking for other, higher-yielding choices.
Risk with choices about cash flow
These bonds don't change hands very often, especially those from smaller companies. Sometimes vendors have to take lower pricing because it can be hard to find a buyer.
Risk with the Amount of Credit
It's not common for defaults to happen, but they can. Credit risk is a huge concern if the issuer is having trouble with money, such a failing company or even a government.
Risk of Rising Prices
As inflation rises, straight bonds lose some of their sparkle. Your buying power goes diminish over time since payments with a fixed rate don't keep up with rising costs.
Additional Read: Different Types of Bonds
Things to Consider before Investing in Straight Bonds
If you prefer Straight Bonds, here are some easy rules to follow:
Look at the Features Very Carefully
Pay close attention to the payment schedule, the coupon rate, and the terms of repayment. These tell you how much money you can make and if the bond fits with your income goals.
Find Out How Liquid It Is
There isn't always enough money available. You might have to sell your bonds for less money if you do so before they mature. So think about whether you can preserve them till they are ready to be used.
Use Market Opportunities Wisely
Wait till interest rates go down before you sell. When new difficulties come up, interest rates go down. This makes bonds more valuable, so you can sell them for a higher price.
Conclusion
Straight bonds might not be exciting, but sometimes "boring" is a good decision. They provide you peace of mind because you know you'll get your money back when the loan is due, and they pay you on time every time.
You can't just disregard threats like not having enough money or inflation. It's important to find a balance between these things.
You need a strong demat and trading account if you want to start investing. It's easier and less terrifying to deal with bonds if you choose a platform that you can trust and that knows a lot about the market.