Final answer:
A bond is a financial contract where a borrower makes scheduled payments of interest and principal. Four main types of bonds include corporate, treasury, municipal, and foreign, each with specific terms, risks, and expected returns. Bonds are a primary source of raising financial capital for those entities.
Step-by-step explanation:
A bond is a long-term financial contract in which a borrower agrees to make payments of interest and principal on specified dates. Bonds represent a key source of financial capital for various entities. There are four primary types of bonds reflecting the nature of the issuers. These are:
Corporate bonds issued by private firms or corporations.
Treasury bonds, also referred to as T-bonds, issued by the federal government through the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
Municipal bonds issued by cities, and state bonds by U.S. states.
Foreign bonds issued by foreign governments or international organizations.
Each type of bond differs with respect to the terms of the interest rate, the time until repayment (maturity), risk, and expected return. Bonds typically specify the amount to be borrowed, the interest rate at issuance, and the schedule for repayment. They serve as a significant tool for raising capital.