Coupon

Glossary

Coupon

The interest rate paid on a bond, expressed as a percentage of the bond’s face value. The coupon is set when the bond is issued; it does not change. The term originated centuries ago, when bonds were printed documents to which coupons were affixed. Bond holders cut one coupon at pre-set intervals and redeemed them at banks. Over time, the term became synonymous with “interest rate.” See Interest, Zero-Coupon Bonds

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