Eurobonds are debt securities issued by companies or governments outside of their domestic market. The spelling of this word is straightforward, as it simply combines the prefix "euro-" with the word "bonds." In IPA phonetic transcription, it is spelled as /jʊərəʊbɒnds/, with the stress on the second syllable. The "eu" combination is pronounced as /jʊə/ to represent the sound of the letter "u" in "you" followed by a schwa sound.
Eurobonds are financial instruments issued by corporations, financial institutions, or governments outside their domestic borders to raise capital from international investors. These bonds are denominated in a currency that is different from that of the country in which they are issued, most commonly in euros but not exclusively. Eurobonds offer the issuer an opportunity to tap into international financial markets, diversify their investor base, and potentially obtain more favorable interest rates compared to issuing bonds in their domestic currency.
The distinguishing feature of eurobonds is that they are typically issued in bearer form, meaning that the ownership of the bond is not registered with a specific owner, but rather the physical possession of the bond is deemed as ownership. This characteristic allows for ease of transferability, as they can be bought and sold without the need for extensive paperwork or registration.
Eurobonds can have various maturities and coupon rates, depending on the needs and preferences of the issuer. They are traded in the international bond market and can be listed on stock exchanges for secondary market trading. Eurobonds are typically subject to the laws and regulations of the country in which they are issued, but they are not limited to the European Union or eurozone countries, despite the name "eurobonds." They offer investors the opportunity to diversify their portfolios, hedge against currency risks, and potentially earn higher yields.
The word "eurobonds" is derived from two components: "euro" and "bonds".
1. Euro: The term "euro" refers to the European currency, the euro. It was introduced in 1999 as an electronic currency for financial transactions among the member countries of the European Union (EU). The euro replaced several national currencies and became the official currency in 19 out of the 27 EU member states.
2. Bonds: Bonds are financial instruments that represent a loan made by an investor to a borrower. They are commonly issued by governments, municipalities, and corporations to raise capital. Bondholders receive periodic interest payments and the return of the principal amount at maturity.
When combined, "euro" and "bonds" create the term "eurobonds", which refers to bonds denominated in a currency other than the currency of the country in which they are issued.