bond-basics

Average Life

The number of years to the point at which half of the Principal of the Bond Issue will have been retired, which in turn gives an indication as to how fast the Principal is expected to amortize.  Generally, the Average Life is equal to (a) the product of the number of Bonds times the number of years from issuance to Maturity divided by (b) the total number of Bonds; for these purposes, a “Bond” is each $1,000 Par amount, regardless of actual denomination.  This term is often used in connection with the Underwriter’s calculations. 


In Contrast With

Weighted Average Maturity

Generally, the weighted average maturity of a bond issue is the sum of the product of the issue price of each maturity of the bond issue multiplied by the number of years from the closing until that maturity date divided by the issue price of the entire bond issue.

Hudson Yards Rail Yards

Start with the Bond Basics

Competitive Bid / Sale

A method of selling bonds in which one or more underwriters submit proposals for the purchase of the bonds.