Fixed securities are investments with regular revenue streams and a promise to spend your original capital in full. It is like real borrowings from borrowers like the governments or companies whereby you lend them money and in return they will pay back with some extra amount called interest.
Since fixed securities are almost risk-free, they are suitable for individuals requiring stable income or for those who wish to diversify their investment options.
Common types of fixed securities are government bonds, corporate bonds, and certificates of deposit (CDs).
They are just a perfect means to expand your money circulation and receive interest for that without any loss.
Meaning of Fixed income securities:
It’s an investment where you grant money to a company or government and which the company or the government is supposed to pay back with interest at regular intervals; in other words, a stock that gives the investor a regular paycheck.
An investment that pays you a monetary sum at stated periods, such as a regular paycheck!” It is a type of investment whereby one lends money to a firm or a government and the firm or government is a payment that you receive periodically at a fixed time, say annually or monthly.
Example: You give Rs. 100 to a company and expect to be paid Rs. 105 once a year from that company. That is a fixed-income bearing security! This is like having received dividend income from your investment with moderate risk. However, the returns in this type of investment might be lower than the other more popular types of investments.
Basic information about fixed securities:
Fixed securities are those securities that provide a definite amount of interest money and the principal amount within a definite period.
Here are some basic features of fixed securities:
- Fixed Income: They include; Interest payments, which are usually made on
a semi-annual or annual basis.
- Fixed Return: They are known to provide a definite return on investment with low risk.
- Principal Repayment: Return of the principal amount at the time of maturity.
- Low Risk: Long believed to be among the lowest risks that one could ever imagine putting their money into.
- Maturity Date: Particularly the date on which is the investment becomes liquid and can be cashed.
- Face Value: The sum of money borrowed (loan) or paid out for investment or to be used in any other way.
- Coupon Rate: It is the interest rate paid periodically, whereby you pay interest on the money that you borrow most of the time.
- Yield: The overall profit from an investment combining both interest income and capital appreciation.
Examples of fixed securities include:
- Government Bonds (Treasury Bonds)
- Corporate Bonds (Company Bonds)
- Municipal Bonds (City/State Bonds)
- Certificates of Deposit (CDs)
- Treasury Bills (T-Bills)
- Commercial paper is the short-term corporate loan that ranges from $1 million to $3 million.
- Eurobonds (International Bonds
- High-Yield Bonds (Junk Bonds):
- Convertible Bonds (Convertible to Stock)
- Mortgage-backed securities (MBS)
- Asset-Backed Securities (ABS
- Municipal Bonds (City/State
These investments are commonly made for the purpose of earning a regular income, spreading risks and seeking returns.
Types of fixed securities
Fixed-income securities are investments that pay a fixed amount of money regularly, such as:
- Bonds: Similar to taking an interest in a company or government and paying interest fixed installments periodically.
- CDs: (Certificates of Deposit): Like a savings account that earns a certain fixed interest for a certain period, or fixed maturity date.
- Treasury Bills: Money borrowed by the banks and offered to the government for a definite period at a fixed rate of interest.
- Government Bonds (Treasury Bonds): Known as ‘Public Debt’ – This involves over-limit borrowing from the public with fixed interest charges.
- Corporate Bonds (Company Bonds): It is the loans to companies it means which avail regular interest.
- Commercial Paper (Short-term Company Loans): They are short-term loans to finance companies where the amount of returns is fixed in the short run.
- Eurobonds (International Bonds): Those given to firms or governments where payments are made in a foreign currency.
- High-Yield Bonds (Junk Bonds): High-risk loans from the business at higher interest rates.
- Convertible Bonds (Convertible to Stock): Funds that can be changed to equity of the company in case of non-repayment.
- Mortgage-Backed Securities (MBS): Fixed-income securities refer to loans that are refinanced by mortgages and come with regular interest.
- Asset-Backed Securities (ABS): Secured loans such as auto loans, credit card balances and any other loan that is secured against any property.
- Municipal Bonds (City/State Bonds): Borrowings which can be made to a municipality or a city which has a consistent interest payment.
These are investment securities that provide steady income and little risk, though returns may differ. It is like getting loans to governments or companies with a fixed interest that should be paid periodically!
To some, it is similar to receiving a monthly salary from the investments you have made.
Fixed-income securities are great for:
– Predictable income
– Lower risk
– Diversifying your investments
Keep in mind:
– Returns may be lower than other investments
– Interest rates can affect value
– Credit risk: the person who borrowed money may simply disappear and never pay it back.
Investing in bonds is like having a constant and stable income stream from your funds!
Conclusion
In conclusion, fixed securities are secure investment tools that can help individuals to generate regular income. They provide a fixed rate of return, revenue stream, and promise of principal repayment. There are several types like government bonds, corporate bonds, and CDs and therefore you can opt for the one that best suits you. So, if you have fixed securities, you will be able to diversify your investment portfolio, earn interest and meet your financial goals with confidence!
FAQs
Here are some FAQs on fixed securities:
Q1: What are fixed securities?
A1: Investments that promise a fixed return, like interest on a loan.
Q2: Are fixed securities risky?
A2: Generally no, they’re considered safe and stable.
Q3: What’s the benefit of fixed securities?
A3: Regular income and return of principal.
Q4: Examples of fixed securities?
A4: Government bonds, corporate bonds, CDs.
Q5: What’s the difference between fixed and variable securities?
A5: Fixed securities have a fixed return, variable securities don’t.
Q6: Can I sell fixed securities before maturity?
A6: Yes, but the value may be higher or lower than the original price.
Q7: Are fixed securities taxable?
A7: Yes, interest earned is usually taxable.
Q8: Why invest in fixed securities?
A8: For predictable income and relatively low risk.