Definition of "Yield to maturity (ytm)"
Sum total of the annual effective rate of return earned by an owner of a bond if that bond is held until its maturity date. This effective return includes the current income generated by the bond as well as any difference in the face value of the bond and the bond's purchase price. The relationship of YTM and the bond's coupon rate is as follows: if the purchase price of the bond is greater than the face value of the bond (purchase made at a premium), the YTM is lower than the coupon rate (rate printed on bond certificate); if the purchase price of the bond is less than the face value of the bond (purchase made at a discount), the YTM is higher than the coupon rate; and if the purchase price of the bond is equal to the face value of the bond, the YTM is equal to the coupon rate.
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