Bonds

If a bond’s interest payment is due but the issuer is in default, the bond will trade flat. Bonds that have defaulted are to be traded flat, with no accumulated interest calculated and delivery of coupons that have not been paid by the issuers. A bond is considered to trade flat if it settles on […]

In about 30 years, most savings bonds stop earning interest (or achieve maturity). A savings bond can be redeemed as soon as one year after purchase, but it’s normally best to wait at least five years so you don’t miss out on the last three months of interest. If you redeem a bond after 24

From the first day of the month after the issue date, an I bond earns interest on a monthly basis. Interest is compounded (added to the bond) until the bond reaches 30 years or you cash it in, whichever happens first. Interest is compounded twice a year. Interest generated in the previous six months is

Interest is paid on EE bonds until they reach 30 years or you cash them in, whichever comes first. After a year, you can cash them in. However, if you cash them before the 5th year, you will forfeit the final three months’ interest. (If you cash an EE bond after 18 months, you’ll get

Common investment and brokerage fees When you purchase or sell stocks, you will be charged a trade commission, which is also known as a stock trading cost. Other investments, such as options or exchange-traded funds, may incur commissions or fees when purchased and sold. Are there commissions on stocks and bonds? When a client wants

Stocks have typically provided better returns than bonds since there is a larger chance that the company will collapse and all of the stockholders’ money would be lost. When a company performs well, however, a stock’s price will climb despite this risk, and this can even work in the investor’s benefit. Stock investors will determine

Putting “no tax increase” in front of “bonds” is designed to dampen opposition to increased taxes, as it is with many political words. But, to be clear, there is no category of bonds issued by school districts that does not result in an increase in your taxes. Bonds with no tax increase raise your taxes.

Although the current 2.2 percent interest rate on Series I savings bonds is appealing, purchasing the bonds has grown more difficult. Paper Series I and EE savings bonds—those handy envelope stuffer gifts—can no longer be purchased in banks or credit unions; instead, you must purchase electronic bonds through TreasuryDirect, the Treasury Department’s Web-based system. Our

Savings bonds, issued by the United States government, are a safe and secure investment that come in denominations ranging from $25 to $10,000. Bonds issued after April 2005 have a fixed interest rate, while those issued prior to that have a variable interest rate (1997-2005). Savings bonds can be purchased by anybody 18 or older

Paper savings bonds are no longer marketed by financial institutions as of January 1, 2012. Treasury’s goal of increasing the number of electronic transactions with citizens and businesses is being furthered by this measure. SeriesEE savings bonds are low-risk savings instruments that yield interest until 30 years have passed or you cash them in, whichever