Income Securities
What are fixed income securities?
Fixed-income securities are debt instruments that provide a return to investors in the form of periodic interest payments, usually called coupon payments, and a return of principal at maturity. Unlike variable-income securities, where payments change based on some underlying measures, usually interest rates, the payments of a fixed-income security are known in advance, set at a specific interest rate which does not change. The interest payments to investors are generally paid semi-annually, and the principal when the security matures.
Companies and governments offer fixed-income securities in order to raise money, often to fund new projects or raise money for operating expenses.
Fixed-income securities are usually low-risk, safe investments, guaranteed to provide a modest but reliable return upon maturity. The most common types of income securities are bonds, money-market funds and CDs, though some types of preferred stock are fixed-income, as well.
The U.S. Treasury guarantees government bonds, which makes them a very safe investment, though the return is low.
Use the databases listed below, with your NYPL library card, to research fixed-income securities.
- Bloomberg
Bloomberg Professional offers financial markets pricing, data, analytics, and news. This service is located at the Library's Thomas Yoseloff Business Center, a generous gift of Bloomberg, L.P. Sign up onsite at the Business Center, or for an advance reservation, sign up through a consultation with a librarian at the Thomas Yoseloff Business Center. Note: Access is for viewing only. Printing, downloading or electronic reproduction of any Bloomberg content or screens is prohibited.
You must make a reservation to use our Bloomberg Terminals. To make a reservation in advance for up to two hours, please email bizcenter@nypl.org or call 212-592-7057.
- MergentOnline
Information on more than 21,000 US and international companies, including 10,000 NYSE, AMEX and Nasdaq exchange companies. All SEC (EDGAR) filings and domestic and international annual reports are included. Dates of Coverage: 1996-present. **Patrons should read the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy of this resource before searching.**
- S&P Capital IQ (Standard and Poor's Capital IQ)
Provides in-depth financial information on companies, equities, fixed income, industry reports, SEC filings, interest rates, commodities, screening for stocks and mutual funds and more. Includes publications: S&P Analysts Handbook, S&P Bond Guide, S&P Corporation Records, S&P Stock Reports, Stovall Sectors. Provides sophisticated retrieval tools to create reports. **Patrons should read the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy of this resource before searching.**
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