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How do interest rates affect bond prices and yields ?
Bond prices and yields are inversely related to interest rates. When interest rates rise, bond prices fall, and vice versa. This is because the yield on a bond is determined by its coupon rate, which is fixed at the time of issuance. Therefore, if interest rates increase after the bond is issued, the yield on the bond will be lower than the current market rate, making it less attractive to investors. Conversely, if interest rates decrease after the bond is issued, the yield on the bond will be higher than the current market rate, making it more attractive to investors.
Other factors that affect bond prices and yields include credit risk, inflation expectations, and economic growth. When interest rates rise, bond prices fall, and the yield curve steepens. When interest rates decrease, bond prices rise, and the yield curve flattens.
To manage interest rate risk, investors can diversify their portfolio across different types of bonds and maturities, use hedging strategies such as interest rate swaps and futures and options contracts, and engage in active management through market timing and credit analysis.