Here is a conceptual example of how a bond trade works:
1. Big Company Ltd wants to acquire Small Company Inc for $1,000,000 but needs to raise capital to do so.
2. Big Company Ltd issues bonds to investors, effectively borrowing $1,000,000.
3. Investors purchase the bonds, providing Big Company Ltd with the $1,000,000 needed for the acquisition.
4. Big Company Ltd now owns Small Company Inc.
5. Big Company Ltd makes regular coupon payments to investors over the 10 year term of the bond. At maturity, Big Company Ltd repays the $1,000,000 principal amount to the investors.
In this way