Short-term government debts issued in denominations ranging from $1,000 to $1 million. Like many other cash-based investment vehicles, T-Bills do not pay interest but are sold at a discount and mature at par (100 per cent of face value). The difference between the purchase price and par at maturity represents the purchaser’s return, and is taxed as interest income.
Categories
Term of the Minute
- Fixed Income
Investments that have some safety of principal and a potential for capital gains that typically account for 15% to 70% of a balanced portfolio. Examples include bonds and GICs with maturities greater than one-year, strip bonds, mortgage-backed securities, private placements and other debt instruments, preferred shares (not including convertible securities) and income mutual funds.