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A Few Related Terms

LBO
Corporate Bond
Bond Ratings
Coupon

Junk Bond
Term category: Bonds
In 10 words or less: A type of bond that offers substantially higher returns (with higher risks, too!)

Definition: An unsafe bond that pays a high interest rate (sometimes as high as 15-20%!). If a junk bond defaults, you might not even get your initial investment back.

StockJargon Advice: Junk bonds were popular in the 1980's because corporate raiders used these to finance the takeover of large companies. They're not quite as popular today.

Junk bonds carry high rates of return but they're as risky or riskier than stocks are. There's a chance the company will default and you'll lose your entire investment.
they give your spouse complete visibility into the investments and easier access.

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Related Books

Wall Street Journal Guide to Understanding Money and Investments by Kenneth M. Morris
The Bond Book by Annette Thau
How the Bond Market Works by Robert Zipf
Beating the Dow with Bonds By Michael B. O'Higgins

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