What Do Bond Ratings Mean?Bond ratings gauge a bond issuer’s financial ability to repay its promised principal and interest payments. Ratings are based on an analysis of the issuer’s financial condition and creditworthiness. In essence, the higher the rating, the more likely it is that a bondholder will receive his or her principal again when the bond matures. Credit rating agencies assess the risks of certain bonds, issuing grades that reflect the issuer’s ability to meet the promised principal and interest payments. The best-known independent rating services are Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s Investors Service, and Fitch Ratings. The following are the rating scales for each agency, ranging from the highest quality to the lowest (and possibly default). They are rated in descending alphabetic order from A to D. Standard & Poor’s: AAA, AA+, AA, AA–, A+, A, A–, BBB+, BBB, BBB–, BB+, BB, BB–, B+, B, B–, CCC+, CCC, CCC–, D Moody’s: Aaa, Aa1, Aa2, Aa3, A1, A2, A3, Baa1, Baa2, Baa3, Ba1, Ba2, Ba3, B1, B2, B3, Caa1, Caa2, Caa3, Ca, C Fitch: AAA, AA+, AA, AA–, A+, A, A–, BBB+, BBB, BBB–, BB+, BB, BB–, B+, B, B–, CCC, DDD, DD, D A credit rating is not a recommendation to purchase a particular bond. Bonds with higher ratings typically have a lower yield. Bonds with lower ratings generally offer higher yields, but the risk that the issuer will default is greater. You should carefully weigh the risks of investing in these bonds. In addition to credit risks, bonds are subject to interest rate and inflation risks, and they have different maturities. The principal value of bonds fluctuates with changes in market conditions. If sold prior to maturity, a bond may be worth more or less than its original value. The information in this article is not intended to be tax or legal advice, and it may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek tax or legal advice from an independent professional advisor. The content is derived from sources believed to be accurate. Neither the information presented nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. This material was written and prepared by Emerald. © 2012 Emerald Connect, Inc. |
| Harrington Asset Management Inc. |
print this page| 6195 Emerald Parkway One North | • | Dublin, OH | • | 43016 |
| Phone: 614-798-1345 | • | Fax: 614-798-1382 |
| • | tkh@ham-inc.com |
Thomas K. Harrington is a Registered Representative and offers securities products & services through Royal Alliance Associates, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC, a registered broker-dealer. Investment advisory services offered through Harrington Asset Management, Inc., a registered investment advisor not affiliated with Royal Alliance Associates, Inc. or registered as a broker-dealer.
This communication is strictly intended for individuals residing in the states of AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, KY, MD, MI, MO,. NC, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, TN, VA and WA. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident outside the specific state(s) referenced.
IMPORTANT CONSUMER INFORMATION
A Broker/dealer, investment adviser, BD agent, or IA rep may only transact business in a state if first registered, or is excluded or exempt from state broker/dealer, investment adviser, BD agent, or IA registration requirements as appropriate. Follow-up, individualized responses to persons in a state by such a firm or individual that involve either effecting or attempting to effect transactions in securities, or the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation, will not be made without first complying with appropriate registration requirements, or an applicable exemption or exclusion. For information concerning the licensing status or disciplinary history of a broker/dealer, investment, adviser, BD agent, or IA rep, a consumer should contact his or her state securities law administrator.