What is the primary purpose of a bond?

The primary purpose of a bond is to make payments of interest and principal to the bondholder. When an entity, such as a corporation or government, issues bonds, it is essentially borrowing money from investors. In return for lending this money, the issuer promises to pay back the initial amount (the principal) at a specified future date (maturity) along with periodic interest payments, known as coupon payments. This structure creates a predictable and structured way for investors to earn returns over time.

While providing immediate cash to borrowers is a characteristic of bonds in terms of how they function as loans, the essence of a bond's purpose lies in the systematic payment obligations to the bondholder. Bonds are not primarily designed for enhancing asset management or facilitating derivatives trading; instead, they focus on forming debt agreements that offer certainty and income through interest and principal repayments, making them a fundamental investment vehicle in finance.