Bond Rating

An evaluation of a bond’s financial strength, related directly to the bond issuer's ability to pay the bond's principal and interest by its maturity date.

Ratings are given in grades from 'AAA', the highest grade, to 'D', indicating low credit-quality or 'junk bonds'. Bonds rated 'D' are those which have defaulted for non-payment of principal and/or interest.

Private independent rating services include Standard & Poor's (S&P's), Moody's, or Fitch IBCA.