Print Resources at NYPL
- Mergent Bond Record1999 to present. Last three months available in the Business Center.
- Moody's Bond Record1936 to 1999 (replaced by Mergent Bond Record).
- Standard & Poor's Bond GuideLast twelve months available in the SNFL business center.
Recommended Books Available at NYPL
Bonds by Call Number: R-SIBL HG4651 .M59 2012ISBN: 9780470821473Publication Date: 2012-06-26An introduction to the world of bonds, from financial expert Mark Mobius
The Complete Practitioner's Guide to the Bond Market by Call Number: 332.6323 DISBN: 9780071637145Publication Date: 2010-01-06A comprehensive, practical guidebook tobonds and the bond market.
What is a Corporate Bond?
A corporate bond is a debt instrument that is issued by a corporation and sold to investors. The company receives capital on the sale; the investor is paid a pre-established number of interest payments over time, at either a fixed or variable interest rate. These interest payments are taxable. When the bond reaches maturity, a fixed date stated upon issue, the payments cease and the original investment is returned to the buyer. Unlike corporate stock, corporate bonds do not give the buyer ownership in the company. However, a bond buyers becomes a creditor of the company.
Bond Types
There are three types of corporate bonds:
Fixed Rate - fixed-rate bonds have an interest rate that does not change for the duration of the bond.
Variable - variable-rate bonds have an interest rate that varies, or "floats," during the duration of the bond. The rate is adjusted by a pre-determined formula, which is published in the bond's initial prospectus.
Zero Coupon - zero coupon bonds do not have an interest rate, but are offered for sale at below face value, before returning the face value on maturity. The interest is the difference between the offering price, or trade price, and the face value upon maturity.
Electronic Resources at NYPL
- S&P Capital IQ (Standard and Poor's Capital IQ)Search for a public company, then select "Summary" under Fixed Income (in the menu on the left of the screen) for information on the company's income securities.
External Resources
- BondFactsFINRA's BondFacts website offers data on outstanding bonds. You must have the nine-digit cusip or symbol of the bond in advance to use the search engine.
- FINRA Market Data CenterFINRA's Market Data Center offers data on corporate, municipal and treasury bonds. Search by issuer or CUSIP.
- SIFMA Bond CenterThe Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association offers a guide for bond investors.