Bond is a debt instrument, the purpose of the issuance of bonds is to raise funds by borrowing from the public. Generally, there are terms for each bonds stating the maturity date which principals will be repaid and the coupon interest payment date.

Government Bond

The bonds issue by state or government in its currency. For example, The US department of the Treasury issues bond s to raise funds for the US government.

Semi-Government Bond

The bonds issue by public corporations, which level is lower than government bonds, but the credit ratings of these two bonds are normally the same. E.g.: The Hong Kong Airport Authority (HKAA), Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited (HKMTGC)

Corporate Bond

Mostly issue by private corporations. E.g.: Hutchison Whampoa Limited

Types

Fixed Rate Bond

Interest rate of this bond is fixed, the rate will not change until maturity.

Zero coupon Bond

Holder of this kind of bonds do not entitle any interest, but usually the price of this kind of bond is discounted and the benefits of investing in this bond can be reflected by its bond price

Floating Rate Bond

This bond has a floating interest rate, which depends on the change in market interest rate. Normally the rate takes reference from market rates like HIBOR and LIBOR.