Author: Helen Barklam

Helen Barklam
Helen Barklam is Editor of Investment Guide. Helen is a journalist and writer with more than 25 years experience. Helen has worked in a wide range of different sectors, including health and wellness, sport, digital marketing, home design and finance. Helen aims to ensure our community have a wealth of quality content to read and enjoy.
IntroductionA high-yield bond is a type of bond that offers a higher yield than other bonds. These bonds are also known as junk bonds because they are considered to be riskier investments than other bonds. High-yield bonds are issued by companies that have lower credit ratings and are considered to be more likely to default on their debt. Investors who are willing to take on the additional risk associated with these bonds can potentially earn higher returns than they would with other types of bonds. There are several ways to invest in high-yield bonds, including through mutual funds, exchange-traded funds,…
IntroductionA junk bond, also known as a high-yield bond, is a type of bond that offers a higher yield than other bonds but carries a higher risk of default. Junk bonds are issued by companies with lower credit ratings, and they are typically used to finance mergers, acquisitions, and other corporate activities. Investing in junk bonds can be a great way to diversify your portfolio and potentially earn higher returns, but it is important to understand the risks associated with these investments. In this article, we will discuss what a junk bond is, how to invest in one, and the…
IntroductionA municipal bond is a debt security issued by a state, municipality, or county to finance its capital expenditures. Municipal bonds are typically used to fund public projects such as roads, bridges, schools, and other infrastructure. Municipal bonds are attractive investments for investors because they offer tax-free income, which can be a great way to diversify a portfolio. Investing in municipal bonds is relatively easy and can be done through a broker or directly through the issuer. In this article, we will discuss what a municipal bond is, how to invest in one, and the risks associated with investing in…
IntroductionA zero-coupon bond is a type of bond that does not pay periodic interest payments. Instead, the bond is sold at a deep discount from its face value, and the investor receives the full face value when the bond matures. Zero-coupon bonds are attractive investments for those looking for a low-risk, long-term investment. They can be purchased through a broker or directly from the issuer. This article will explain what a zero-coupon bond is, how it works, and how to invest in one.What is a Zero-Coupon Bond and How Does It Work?A zero-coupon bond is a type of bond that…
IntroductionA callable bond is a type of bond that allows the issuer to redeem the bond before its maturity date. This means that the issuer can pay back the principal amount of the bond to the investor at any time. Callable bonds are attractive to investors because they offer higher yields than non-callable bonds. However, they also carry more risk because the issuer can call the bond at any time. Investing in callable bonds can be a great way to diversify your portfolio and earn higher yields. It is important to understand the risks associated with callable bonds before investing…
IntroductionA convertible bond is a type of bond that can be converted into a predetermined number of shares of the issuer’s common stock. This type of bond is attractive to investors because it offers the potential for higher returns than a traditional bond, as well as the potential for capital appreciation if the stock price of the issuer increases. Investing in a convertible bond can be done through a broker or through a direct purchase from the issuer.What is a Convertible Bond and How Does it Work?A convertible bond is a type of bond that can be exchanged for a…
IntroductionA forward contract is an agreement between two parties to buy or sell an asset at a predetermined price on a future date. It is a type of derivative instrument that can be used to hedge against price fluctuations or to speculate on the future price of an asset. Forward contracts are commonly used by investors to manage risk and to take advantage of price movements in the market. They can also be used to speculate on the future price of an asset, allowing investors to potentially make a profit if the price moves in their favor.What is a Forward…
IntroductionA futures contract is a legally binding agreement between two parties to buy or sell a specific asset at a predetermined price at a specified time in the future. Futures contracts are used by investors to speculate on the future price of an asset or to hedge against price fluctuations. They are also used by producers and consumers to manage price risk. By investing in futures contracts, investors can gain exposure to a wide range of markets and asset classes, including commodities, stocks, bonds, and currencies. With the right strategy, futures contracts can be used to generate profits or to…
IntroductionAn options contract is a type of financial derivative that gives the holder the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an underlying asset at a predetermined price on or before a specified date. Options contracts are used by investors to hedge against risk, speculate on the price of an underlying asset, or generate income. They can be used to invest in stocks, commodities, currencies, and other financial instruments. In this article, we will discuss the basics of options contracts, how they work, and how they can be used to invest.What is an Options Contract and How Can…
© 2025 Investment Guide