Junk Bond


DEFINITION of 'Junk Bond'



Junk bonds are risky investments, but have speculative appeal because they offer much higher yields than safer bonds. Companies that issue junk bonds typically have less-than-stellar credit ratings, and investors demand these higher yields as compensation for the risk of investing in them. A junk bond issued from a company that manages to turn its performance around for the better and has its credit rating upgraded will generally have a substantial price appreciation.


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  1. How are junk bonds rated differently by Standard & Poor's and Moody's?

    Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s give junk bonds lower credit ratings than investment grade bonds. Standard and Poor’s gives ... Read Full Answer >>

    The most common reason for a debt security downgrade from investment grade to junk grade is a negative change in the bond ... Read Full Answer >>
  3. What role did junk bonds play in the financial crisis of 2007-08?

    Junk bonds were the at heart of the financial crisis of 2007-2008. Toxic assets related to the subprime housing market pushed ... Read Full Answer >>
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