Current Yield: A Comprehensive Guide to Its Legal Definition and Implications

Definition & Meaning

Current yield refers to the annual income generated by a security, particularly a bond, expressed as a percentage of its current market price. It is calculated by dividing the annual interest payment by the security's current market value. For instance, if a bond is priced at $1,000 and pays $100 in annual interest, its current yield would be 10%. This metric helps investors assess the return on their investment based on the income received relative to the price they would pay for the security.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

For example, if an investor purchases a bond for $1,200 that pays $120 in annual interest, the current yield would be calculated as follows:

  • Current yield = Annual interest / Current market price
  • Current yield = $120 / $1,200 = 0.10 or 10%

(hypothetical example)

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Difference
Yield to Maturity The total return anticipated on a bond if held until it matures. Current yield only considers annual income, while yield to maturity accounts for total returns over the life of the bond.
Coupon Rate The annual interest rate paid by bond issuers to bondholders. Coupon rate is fixed, whereas current yield varies with market price.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are considering investing in bonds or other securities, understanding current yield is essential. You can calculate it using the formula provided above. For personalized assistance, consider consulting a financial advisor or using US Legal Forms' templates to help manage your investment documentation.

Quick facts

  • Current yield is expressed as a percentage.
  • It is calculated using annual interest and current market price.
  • Current yield can fluctuate based on market conditions.

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

Current yield focuses on annual income relative to market price, while yield to maturity considers total returns over the bond's life.