Greater Fool glossary / Bonds & Rates

investment grade

A credit rating category that indicates a bond is relatively safe, with low risk of default. Investment grade ratings are typically BBB and higher. Bonds with these ratings are considered suitable for conservative investors and many institutions.

In practice

A large, established utility company with a credit rating of A is investment grade. Its bonds are considered safe enough for retirement accounts and bond funds that focus on lower-risk investments. These bonds offer lower yields than junk bonds but with much less default risk.

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