Core Insights - Bonds are influenced by various factors, including interest rates, credit risk, bond duration, inflation expectations, and tax policies [1][2] Interest Rates - Market interest rates have an inverse relationship with bond prices; when rates rise, existing bonds with lower rates decrease in value, potentially leading to capital losses for investors [1] - Conversely, when market rates fall, existing bonds increase in value, allowing investors to realize capital gains [1] Credit Risk - The creditworthiness of bond issuers significantly impacts bond yields; higher-rated issuers typically offer lower yields due to lower default risk, while lower-rated issuers must provide higher yields to compensate for increased risk [1][2] - Default by an issuer can result in loss of both interest income and principal for investors [1] Bond Duration - Longer-duration bonds generally carry higher risks and uncertainties, necessitating higher yields to attract investors, known as the term premium [2] - Long-term bonds face more risks from interest rate fluctuations and inflation compared to short-term bonds [2] Inflation Expectations - Rising inflation expectations lead investors to demand higher yields to offset the loss of purchasing power, which can pressure bond prices and reduce actual yields [2] - Conversely, lower inflation expectations can alleviate downward pressure on bond prices, potentially increasing yields [2] Tax Policies - Different types of bonds may have varying tax treatments, with some offering tax-exempt interest income, making them more attractive despite lower nominal rates [2] - The tax-adjusted yield can influence investor choices and overall returns on bonds [2]