The basic concept of a bond is that it is debt to the issuer and and asset for the purchaser. There are several key aspects to a bond 1) the Face Value (amount it was issued for) 2) the interest rate, and 3) the maturity date of the bond.
The interest rate might be the most important factor on a Bond because it will determine whether the bond is sold at a premium or a discount. This can be very confusing, but simply if the interest rate on the bond is MORE than the market interest rate (i.e. amount you could get in savings) then the bond will sell at a PREMIUM. What this means is that a bond with a Face Value of $100K might sell for $110K... The reason is that the individual who purchases this will get more in interest payments then s/he would in a savings account.
The oppisite is true for a bond sold at a DISCOUNT. The interest rate on the bond is LESS than the interest rate then could be earned in the market. If you think about it, it makes sense... you will pay less for the bond because you will earn less in interest. Why would someone go buy a bond for its face value and earn 6% when they could put that same money in a savings account and earn 8%? doesnt make sense to buy the bond, so by DISCOUNTING it the seller has a chance to sell it. It would be vice versa for a bond sold at PREMIUM, why wouldnt we want to buy it. So the sellers can charge more for it...
Hope that helps a little. I can explain the amortization also...
BEC: 73,81(7/6/2010); AUD: 75(5/24/2010); FAR: 76(8/31/2010); REG: 77 (10/18/2010) - DONE!!!!