What are Fixed Income Securities? And Fixed Income Instruments

Fixed income securities are financial instruments that provide a fixed rate of return for a specific period. These instruments are issued by governments, corporations, and financial institutions to raise capital. They are considered low-risk investments because they offer predictable returns and are backed by the issuer’s ability to repay the principal and interest.

Fixed income instruments are an important part of an investor’s portfolio as they provide a steady stream of income and diversification. In India, there are several types of bonds and fixed income instruments available that investors can consider adding to their portfolios.

Fixed income securities are a type of investment that provides a regular stream of income to the investor. These securities are generally considered to be less risky than equities, as they offer a fixed return and are backed by the issuer’s creditworthiness.

Few of the most common types of bonds In India are:

1. Government Bonds

Government bonds, also known as sovereign bonds, are issued by the government to finance its operations. These bonds are considered the safest fixed income instruments in India because they are backed by the full faith and credit of the government. The government of India issues several types of bonds, including Treasury bills, State Development Loans, and Floating Rate Bonds.

Treasury bills are short-term bonds that mature in less than a year, and they are issued at a discount to their face value. State Development Loans are long-term bonds issued by state governments to fund their infrastructure projects. Floating Rate Bonds are bonds that have a variable interest rate that adjusts periodically based on the prevailing market rates.

2. Corporate Bonds

Corporate bonds are issued by companies to finance their operations or to fund expansion plans. These bonds are riskier than government bonds because the creditworthiness of the issuer determines the risk of default. However, they typically offer a higher rate of return than government bonds. Companies issue several types of bonds, including secured and unsecured bonds, convertible bonds, and perpetual bonds.

Secured bonds are backed by the company’s assets, and in case of default, the bondholders have the right to sell the assets to recover their investment. Unsecured bonds, on the other hand, are not backed by any collateral, and their repayment is dependent on the company’s ability to generate cash flows.

Convertible bonds are bonds that can be converted into the company’s stock at a predetermined price. Perpetual bonds are bonds that have no maturity date, and the issuer pays interest on them indefinitely.

3. Municipal Bonds

Municipal bonds are issued by local governments to finance infrastructure projects such as schools, hospitals, and roads. These bonds are exempt from federal income tax and may be exempt from state and local taxes, making them a tax-efficient investment option. 

General obligation bonds are backed by the taxing authority of the issuer, and their repayment is guaranteed by the issuer’s ability to levy taxes. Revenue bonds, on the other hand, are backed by the revenue generated from the project being financed, such as toll roads or airports.

4. Fixed Deposits

Fixed deposits are a type of investment where investors deposit a sum of money with a bank for a fixed period and earn a predetermined rate of interest. Fixed deposits are considered low-risk investments because they are insured by the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) up to Rs. 5 lakhs.

Fixed deposits are ideal for investors who are risk-averse and want a guaranteed return on their investment. However, the returns on fixed deposits are relatively low compared to other fixed income instruments.

5. Convertible Bonds

These bonds can be converted into equity shares of the issuing company. Convertible bonds offer investors the potential for capital appreciation, as the value of the equity shares can increase over time.

6. Debentures

Debentures are another type of fixed income instrument that is similar to bonds. However, debentures are not backed by any specific assets and are instead backed by the creditworthiness of the issuing company. Debentures offer a fixed rate of return and are typically issued by corporations.

Other Fixed Income Instruments

In addition to bonds and debentures, several other types of fixed income instruments are available to investors. Some of the most common types of fixed income instruments include:

1. Certificates of Deposit (CDs)

CDs are issued by banks and offer a fixed rate of return over a specified period of time. CDs are considered to be a low-risk investment option, as they are backed by the bank’s deposit insurance.

2. Money Market Funds

Money market funds are mutual fund investments that invest in short-term, low-risk assets such as government bonds and commercial paper. Money market funds offer a higher rate of return than savings accounts and are considered to be a low-risk investment option.

3. Preferred Stock

Preferred stock is a type of equity security that pays a fixed dividend to investors. Preferred stock is considered to be less risky than common stock, as the dividend payment is guaranteed.

Investing in Fixed Income Securities

Investing in fixed income securities can offer several benefits to investors, including a steady stream of income and lower risk than equities. However, it is important to consider the risks associated with these investments and to conduct thorough research before making an investment.

When investing in fixed income securities, investors should consider factors such as the creditworthiness of the issuer, the interest rate offered, and the term of the investment. It is also important to consider the tax implications of investing in fixed income securities, as some types of investments may offer tax advantages.

To purchase bonds, investors can buy them directly from the issuer or through a broker. The process of purchasing bonds can be complex, as there are many factors to consider, such as the coupon rate, maturity date, and credit rating of the issuer. It is important for investors to do their research and consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

In addition to purchasing individual bonds, investors can also invest in bond mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs). These funds pool together the investments of many different investors and invest in a diversified portfolio of bonds. Bond funds can offer several benefits to investors, including professional management and diversification.

Conclusion

Fixed income instruments are an essential part of an investor’s portfolio as they provide a steady stream of income and diversification. The types of bonds and fixed income instruments available in India offer investors several options to choose from, depending on their investment goals and risk appetite. Government bonds, corporate bonds, municipal bonds, and fixed deposits are some of the most common fixed income instruments available in India. Investors should carefully evaluate their options before investing in any fixed income instrument and diversify their portfolio to minimize risk.