Lesson

Insured municipal bonds are fixed-income security issued by local governments, such as cities or counties, to finance public projects. These bonds are backed by an insurance policy, which guarantees the payment of principal and interest to bondholders in the event of a default by the issuer. This insurance provides an additional layer of protection for investors and can result in a higher credit rating for the bond, making it more attractive to potential buyers.

Practice Question #1

What is the primary purpose of an insurance policy for an insured municipal bond?

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Terms

Insured municipal bond:
A fixed-income security issued by a local government and backed by an insurance policy.

Practice Question #2

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of an insured municipal bond?

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Do Not Confuse With

General obligation bond:
A type of municipal bond backed by the full faith and credit of the issuer, rather than an insurance policy.
Revenue bond:
A type of municipal bond backed by the revenues generated by a specific project or source, rather than an insurance policy.

Practice Question #3

How does an insurance policy impact the credit rating of an insured municipal bond?

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Historical Example

In the early 2000s, a city issued insured municipal bonds to finance the construction of a new sports stadium. The bonds were backed by an insurance policy, which guaranteed the payment of principal and interest to bondholders in the event of a default by the city. This insurance helped the bonds achieve a higher credit rating, making them more attractive to investors and allowing the city to secure the necessary funding for the project.

Practice Question #4

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Real-World Example

A small town decides to build a new library, and issues insured municipal bonds to finance the project. The insurance policy backing the bonds ensures that investors receive their principal and interest payments, even if the town encounters financial difficulties and cannot make the payments. This added layer of protection makes the bonds more appealing to investors, helping the town raise the necessary funds for the library.

Practice Question #5

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Rhyme

Insured bonds, a safer bet, with insurance, there's no threat. Principal and interest paid, even if the issuer's waylaid.

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