Junk bonds
Junk bonds are also known as 'high yield', 'non-investment grade', or 'speculative' bonds.
Junk bonds are also known as 'high yield', 'non-investment grade', or 'speculative' bonds. They are usually issued by companies without well-established records of earnings, and so have to offer higher rates of interest to compensate for a greater probability of default on those interest payments.
The rating is determined by the main credit rating agencies: Moody's, Standard & Poor's, and Fitch. Junk bonds are also used by small firms to finance takeovers of larger companies, particularly in the US. Firms with investment grade (BBB- or better, according to S&P's system) bonds can be downgraded to junk status if they hit difficulties. These are called 'fallen angels'.
See Tim Bennett's video tutorial: Bond basics.
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE

Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Get the latest financial news, insights and expert analysis from our award-winning MoneyWeek team, to help you understand what really matters when it comes to your finances.
MoneyWeek is written by a team of experienced and award-winning journalists, plus expert columnists. As well as daily digital news and features, MoneyWeek also publishes a weekly magazine, covering investing and personal finance. From share tips, pensions, gold to practical investment tips - we provide a round-up to help you make money and keep it.
-
'We face a £6m inheritance tax bill under Reeves's changes – it's sheer terror'
Thousands of families fear they’ll have no option but to look at selling their firms in a fire sale to pay inheritance tax bills, due to Rachel Reeves’s changes to business property relief
-
Millions of over 50s fear pension investment risk – how should you position your portfolio?
To de-risk or not to de-risk, that is the question. Act too late and you could face irreversible losses. Move too early and miss out on significant gains that could transform your retirement.