What are the differences between the various types of debt instruments?

Debt instruments are financial assets that enable borrowers to raise funds from lenders, with the promise of repaying the loan along with interest over a specified time period. The most common types of debt instruments include bonds, loans, and other debt securities. While they all represent a form of borrowing, there are several key differences between these types of instruments.

Bonds

Bonds are a form of long-term debt that are issued by companies, municipalities, or governments. They are typically sold in denominations of $1,000 or more, and pay a fixed rate of interest to bondholders. Bonds generally have a maturity of 10 years or longer, and can be traded on secondary markets before they mature.

Loans

Loans are a form of debt that are typically issued by banks or other financial institutions. They can be either secured or unsecured, with the former requiring collateral to secure the loan. Loans are generally shorter-term than bonds, with maturities ranging from a few months to several years. The interest rate on a loan is usually fixed, but can be variable in some cases.

Debt Securities

Debt securities are a broad category of financial instruments that includes bonds, notes, and other forms of debt. They are generally issued by companies or governments, and can be traded on secondary markets before they mature. Debt securities can have fixed or variable interest rates, and can be either short-term or long-term in nature. They may also be secured or unsecured.