Financial knowledge and investment strategy

When most Indian investors think of investments, the first names that come to mind are fixed deposits, gold, or stocks. But there’s another powerful option that combines safety with steady returns — bonds. Bonds are one of the most trusted financial instruments globally, and they are slowly gaining popularity among Indian retail investors. Whether you’re a conservative investor looking for stable income or someone seeking to diversify beyond equities, understanding bonds can transform your investment journey. --- What Are Bonds? In simple terms, a bond is a loan. When you buy a bond, you lend money to the issuer — it could be the Government of India, a state government, a PSU (public sector undertaking), or a private company. In return, the issuer promises: 1. To pay you regular interest (called coupon). 2. To return your principal (face value) at maturity. 👉 Think of bonds as an advanced version of a fixed deposit (FD), but with more options, tradability, and sometimes better returns...