Answer:
1. How is a bond like an IOU?
A bond is an IOU because it is actually a type of IOU. A bond is in essence a security in which the bond issuer promises to pay the bondholder the full value of the bond at maturity, plus interest payments (coupons) that can be paid either periodically, or at maturity as well.
2. Why is an investment grade bond is considered a “safe” investment?
Investment grade bonds are those bonds that have a rating that is considered "safe". This rating is provided by agencies such as Standard and Poors or Moody's. It is the credibility behind these agencies that makes a bond with that type of rating a safe investment.
3. How can an investor make money by buying a bond?
The investor makes money because he or she obtains the full value of the bond at maturity plus interest (coupon payments).
Bondholders also have priority over stockholders in case of bankruptcy, so a bond is in many cases a safer investment than a stock.
4. Would you recommend your Stock Market Game team include a bond in your portfolio? Why, why not?
Yes, bonds should be included because they are one of the two main types of securities, the other being stocks precisely. Companies often have to take the decision to finance their operations either with bonds or stocks, or a combination of the two, so if the game includes bonds, it also becomes more realistic.
