Glossary

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Yield
This is the measure of the return on an investment and is shown as a percentage. A stock yield is calculated by dividing the annual dividend by the current market price of the stock. For example, a stock selling at $50 and with an annual dividend of $5.00 per share yields 10%. A bond yield is a more complicated calculation, involving annual interest payments plus amortizing the difference between its current market price and par value over the life of the bond.

 

Yield Curve
A graphic representation of the relationship among yields of bonds of the same quality, but with different maturities.

 

Yield to Maturity
The rate of return an investor receives if a fixed-income security is held to maturity.

 

Zero Coupon Bonds
Usually high quality federal or provincial government bonds originally issued in bearer form, where some or all of the interest coupons have been detached. The bond principal and any remaining coupons trade separately from the strip of detached coupons, both at substantial discounts from par. Also called strip bonds.