DISCUSSION ESSAY

Two bonds A and B have the same credit rating, the same par value, and the same coupon rate.

Bond A has 30 years to maturity and bond B has 5 years to maturity.

  • Explain which bond will trade at a higher price in the market and why?
  • What happens to the market price of each bond if the interest rates in the economy go up? Elaborate on your rationale.
  • Which bond would have a higher percentage price change if interest rates go up? Explain.

Substantiate your argument with numerical examples.

  • As a bond investor, if you expect a slowdown in the economy over the next 12 months, what would be your investment strategy?