Par Curves and Yield Curve Relationships

Fixed Income Analytics · 3:34

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Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Picture bonds all trading at their face value today
That's what par curves show us in their special way
When coupon rate equals the yield that's required
Par value and price are perfectly aligned

[Chorus]
Par above spot when the curve slopes up high
Par below spot when it's flat or declines
Forward rates dancing between the two lines
Par curves, spot curves, forward curves combine
Remember the pattern, it's there by design
Par curves, spot curves, forward curves combine

[Verse 2]
Spot rates are pure, single payment discount rates
Par rates need coupons to balance their weights
When longer rates rise above the shorter ones
Par curve sits higher, that's how math runs

[Chorus]
Par above spot when the curve slopes up high
Par below spot when it's flat or declines
Forward rates dancing between the two lines
Par curves, spot curves, forward curves combine
Remember the pattern, it's there by design
Par curves, spot curves, forward curves combine

[Bridge]
Forward rates implied between any two points
Connect all the curves at their pricing joints
When forwards rise steep, par stays more stable
Mathematical magic keeps markets able

[Verse 3]
Bootstrap the spot rates from par bond prices
Build up the curve through financial devices
Each rate depends on the others before
That's the foundation of fixed income's core

[Chorus]
Par above spot when the curve slopes up high
Par below spot when it's flat or declines
Forward rates dancing between the two lines
Par curves, spot curves, forward curves combine
Remember the pattern, it's there by design
Par curves, spot curves, forward curves combine

[Outro]
Three curves together tell the market's story
Par curves show us bond pricing glory
When yields are calling, remember this song
The math will guide you, you can't go wrong

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