zero-coupon bond


A debt security that does not offer any interest (a coupon), but trades at a deep discount of face value, offering the potential for return when the instrument matures at full face value.



Zero coupon bonds may be issued in the primary market with no interest, or repackaged by financial institutions as such for sale in the secondary market. Since they offer payment only upon maturity, and in forgoing regular income until that date investors are forced to set longer term and more nimble predictions on return, zero coupon bonds tend to be more volatile in price than traditional interest earning debt instruments.



Also known as Accrual Bond.

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