Fundamentals of Bonds, Bond Accounting, and Trading

Fixed-income securities form the backbone of global financial markets, yet understanding bond valuation and accounting conventions often seems intimidating. This text-based course demystifies fixed-income instruments by breaking down how bonds are structured, issued, traded, and recorded on financial statements. You will build practical competence in bond mathematics and journal entries, learning how interest rates and market conditions influence bond values over time. What you'll learn: - Understand fundamental bond terminology including par value, coupon rates, maturity, and credit ratings - Calculate bond prices, present values of cash flows, and yield to maturity - Account for bond issuances at par, discount, and premium using standard journal entries - Apply the effective interest method to amortize bond premiums and discounts accurately - Analyze yield curves, interest rate risk, and credit spreads in modern bond markets - Record bond retirements, redemptions, and secondary market transactions The course begins with foundational fixed-income concepts and terminology before progressing through pricing calculations, accounting workflows, and trading mechanics. It is designed for beginners, accounting students, and finance professionals seeking a clear grounding in fixed income, with no prior bond market experience required. Start reading today to build practical confidence in bond trading mechanics and financial accounting.