What is Treasury STRIPS?

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Treasury STRIPS (Separate Trading of Registered Interest and Principal of Securities) is an investment tool for U.S. Treasury securities. It splits standard U.S. Treasury bonds into two separate components: the coupon interest part and the principal part.

Definition

Treasury STRIPS (Separate Trading of Registered Interest and Principal of Securities) is an investment tool that splits standard U.S. Treasury bonds into two separate parts: the interest portion and the principal portion. This separation allows investors to trade interest and principal independently, offering greater flexibility and investment choices.

Origin

The concept of Treasury STRIPS originated in 1985, introduced by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. It was designed to meet the demand for zero-coupon bonds and to enhance market liquidity. By separating the interest and principal of Treasury bonds, investors can better manage cash flow and interest rate risk.

Categories and Features

Treasury STRIPS are mainly divided into two categories: the interest portion and the principal portion. The interest portion represents future interest payments, while the principal portion represents the principal payment at maturity. Key features include: 1. Zero-coupon: The separated bonds do not pay periodic interest but are issued at a discount, paying the face value at maturity. 2. Flexibility: Investors can choose to purchase either the interest or principal portion based on their needs. 3. Risk management: By trading separately, investors can better manage interest rate risk.

Case Studies

Case 1: An investor purchased the principal portion of Treasury STRIPS in 1986 with a face value of $1,000 at a discount of $800. Upon maturity, the investor received the $1,000 principal payment, realizing a $200 gain. Case 2: Another investor opted to purchase the interest portion to secure a steady cash flow over the coming years. This strategy helped lock in higher yields during a period of rising interest rates.

Common Issues

Common issues include: 1. How to calculate the yield on Treasury STRIPS? Investors need to consider the difference between the purchase price and the maturity payment. 2. What is the market risk of STRIPS? Since they do not pay periodic interest, STRIPS are more sensitive to interest rate changes.

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