Definition
Original Maturity is the duration between the initial issuance date of a bond and its maturity date. It signifies the total lifespan of a bond from the moment it is issued until it is scheduled to be redeemed. This is different from current maturity, which refers to the remaining time from the present date to the bond’s maturity date.
Examples
-
10-Year Treasury Bond:
- Issue Date: January 1, 2020
- Maturity Date: January 1, 2030
- Original Maturity: 10 Years
-
Corporate Bond:
- Issue Date: March 1, 2021
- Maturity Date: March 1, 2026
- Original Maturity: 5 Years
These illustrate bonds with different original maturities as defined by their specific lifespan at issuance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of original maturity?
Original maturity is crucial for investors as it impacts the bond’s interest rate risk, yield, and the investment strategy. Longer original maturities typically come with higher yields to compensate for the higher risk over time.
How does original maturity differ from remaining maturity?
While original maturity is the total period from issuance to maturity, remaining maturity (or current maturity) is the time left from the present moment until maturity.
Can the original maturity of a bond change?
No, the original maturity of a bond is fixed at the time of issuance. However, its remaining maturity will decrease over time as the maturity date approaches.
Is original maturity more important than remaining maturity?
It depends on the context. Original maturity is important for understanding the bond’s intended lifespan and its interest rate risks at issuance. Remaining maturity is crucial for current valuation, assessing interest rate sensitivity, and decisions on buying/selling in the secondary market.
How is original maturity connected to bond pricing?
Original maturity affects the bond’s yield and coupon rates at issuance. Longer maturities often command higher interest rates to compensate for the uncertainty and inflation risk over a prolonged period.
Related Terms
Bond
A fixed-income instrument representing a loan made by an investor to a borrower, usually corporate or governmental. It includes the terms of the loan, including the interest payments and repayment schedule.
Maturity Date
The specific date in the future when the principal amount of a bond will be repaid to the bondholder.
Coupon Rate
The annual interest rate paid on a bond’s face value by the issuer to the bondholder.
Yield to Maturity (YTM)
The total return anticipated on a bond if held until it matures, considering both interest payments and any capital gain or loss.
Interest Rate Risk
The risk that changes in market interest rates will affect the value of the bond.
Online References
- Investopedia: Bond Maturity
- SEC: Bonds—An Introduction to Bond Basics
- Federal Reserve: Treasury Securities & Programs
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Bond Book” by Annette Thau
- “Bond Markets, Analysis, and Strategies” by Frank J. Fabozzi
- “Fixed Income Securities: Tools for Today’s Markets” by Bruce Tuckman and Angel Serrat
Fundamentals of Original Maturity: Finance Basics Quiz
Thank you for exploring the intricacies of original maturity in bonds and challenging yourself with our sample exam quiz questions. Continue honing your knowledge in fixed-income investments!