Bonds

The bond’s interest rate, also known as a coupon, is fixed at the time of issue. Interest is paid over the bond’s lifespan. At the maturity date, you’ll also be paid the face value of the bond.

Use comparison websites to see how your bond is returning relative to other similar bonds.

You can measure the performance of a bond by working out the amount of return you’ll get compared to what you paid. This measure is known as the yield and is calculated by dividing the interest received by the last traded price of the bond. Note that bonds aren’t always traded at face value.

Websites like www.interest.co.nz list current New Zealand bond yields. Your adviser or broker should have information about how to review the performance of bonds from other countries.

If the bond you’re thinking about buying is not new to the market, key information contained in the product disclosure statement (PDS) may have changed since it was first issued.

Credit ratings help you understand how likely it is you’ll get your money back at maturity, and that interest will be paid on time. Ratings are issued by independent agencies such as Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s and Fitch. 

Be aware that these agencies have different credit rating systems, and they’re only one factor you need to consider. Also, be aware that the credit rating doesn’t always apply to the bond issuer. It can apply to the bond itself or to the issuer’s holding company – or there may be no credit rating.  See our credit ratings page.

• Perpetual bonds don’t have a maturity date. You could be exposing yourself to risks for a longer time.
• Rate reset bonds do have a maturity date, but their interest rate can change over the course of the bond.
• Capital notes are a type of bond, often issued by well-known banks. They contain features that enable the provider to change the structure of the investment – for example into shares. Read more about capital notes.

Some bonds are issued direct to retail investors. In that case there will be no fee to pay to purchase the bond.

After the initial issue, bonds are bought and sold through a broker, or an online dealing service. The fees charged will vary depending on the type of service you choose. You will pay a minimum brokerage fee for each order placed and may have to pay a percentage fee for any amount over the minimum.

• Read the section called ‘specific risks’ in the bond’s Product Disclosure Statement (PDS). This section explains the factors that can increase the risk of investors losing money. These risks will be different for each bond.
• Make sure you also check the information in the ‘key terms of the offer’ and ‘key features’ sections of the PDS. 
• Bonds without a maturity date (perpetual bonds) expose investors to risks for a longer time.

Our guide to product disclosure statements has an example of the key information summary for a bond.

Key information contained in the product disclosure statement (PDS) may have changed since it was first issued. A financial adviser or broker will be able to provide more current information.

You can usually sell listed bonds by trading on bond markets, such as the NZX Debt Market.

If a bond’s listed, you’ll see its value and the number of trades. The more trades there are, the easier it’s likely to be to sell your bonds. A market with few potential buyers means you could struggle to sell your bonds at a reasonable price.

If a bond’s not listed, you’ll need to take extra care to determine whether the price being charged is appropriate. Check the financial information in the PDS and on the bond register entry and seek professional advice if necessary.

Choosing different types of bonds increases the chance that some will perform well when others don’t. Consider bonds that fit your financial goals and appetite for risk. This could include a mix of government and corporate bonds, bonds that mature at different times, or more complex bonds.

Bond laddering, or choosing bonds with different maturity dates gives you access to cash at different times. It also reduces the chance that all your bonds mature at a time when interest rates may be high and yields are low - which reduces the money you’ll make on your investment.

You will find the report on the company website or on the government’s companies office website. Our guide to reading company annual reports will help you understand how to interpret these reports.

Credit downgrades may be a sign you are less likely to get your money back at maturity, or that interest will be paid on time.