face value

Definition

The nominal dollar amount assigned to a security by the issuer. For an equity security, face value is usually a very small amount that bears no relationship to its market price, except for preferred stock, in which case face value is used to calculate dividend payments. For a debt security, face value is the amount repaid to the investor when the bond matures (usually, corporate bonds have a face value of $1000, municipal bonds $5000, and federal bonds $10,000). In the secondary market, a bond's price fluctuates with interest rates. If interest rates are higher than the coupon rate on a bond, the bond will be sold below face value (at a "discount"). If interest rates have fallen, the price will be sold above face value. here also called par or par value.

Cite this definition


'face value ' appears in the definitions of these terms on BusinessDictionary.com
 



Related Articles from the InvestorGuide.com University

Stock Mutual Funds
Stock funds, also known as equity funds, can yield higher returns, but pose greater risks. Find out about growth funds, blend funds, sector funds, indexed funds, as well as funds defined by market capitalization and many others. Learn the differences between the different kinds, to find the best one for you before exposing yourself to risks.

Introduction to Mutual Funds
An explanation of mutual funds, with specific emphasis on advantages and disadvantages of this type of investment. If you were thinking of investing in a mutual fund, read this article!

Prospectuses, Annual Reports, and Other Documents
In order to evaluate a mutual fund, you should read its prospectus and annual report, which describe the fund's investment objective, strategy, fees and expenses, past performance, risks, and largest holdings. Click here to learn more about each of these topics.



Related Resources from InvestorGuide.com

Mutual Fund Research Tool
Use our research tool to find in-depth data about mutual fund quotes, news, data, and profile information. Click here to view our mutual fund list or enter a mutual fund ticker here:

   

Featured Sponsor

Give this definition a rating from 1 to 5 (5 being the best)...
1    2    3    4    5    



Browse by Letter: # A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Add this Glossary to your Site | Bookmark InvestorWords.com
Home | Terms by Subject | Keyword Advertising | About Us | Contact Us
Work for InvestorWords.com
BusinessDictionary.com | InvestorGuide.com | WebFinanceInc.com
Disclaimer and Copyright©

Copyright©1997-2008 by WebFinance, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Unauthorized duplication, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited.