What are Corporate Bonds?

Different types of assets can be used as collateral to secure bonds. For example, mortgage-backed securities are bonds that are supported by mortgages. With a mortgage bond, bondholders have the option to sell the mortgaged properties to meet any outstanding obligations to bondholders.

Collateral trust bonds and mortgage bonds share similarities, except that collateral trust bonds do not use residential properties as collateral. Businesses employ collateral trust bonds when they lack permanent assets or real estate and instead hold securities from other firms. When issuing bonds, these firms pledge the stocks, bonds, and other interests they own in other companies.

Debenture bonds, including treasury bills in the Corporate Bonds category, are unsecured bonds that lack specific property or asset backing. Companies often issue debenture bonds with favorable credit ratings, resulting in relatively moderate interest rates.

Guaranteed bonds, as the name implies, are bonds that come with a guarantee. Another company provides the guarantee, reducing the risk of default as that company has committed to fulfilling the bond's obligations if required.