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Because the bond is no longer making money at the rate of current prices. Its future value is less than other equally face bonds so its market price dropes to compensate
One of the key factors that can change the market and fair value of fixed rate notes and bonds is an increase or decrease in market interest rates. Even though a bond has a fixed rate, it's value is dependent on current yields in the market and the value of the bond will move inversely to interest rate changes.
premium
When the coupon rate (the contractual periodical "interest" payments) are lower than the yield (the market required return) the bond will be in discount. This discount makes up for the low value of the coupons.
To calculate present value of the bond you also need to know market interest rate. If , for example these companies were issuing their bonds in the different time and market interest rate was different then bond could be sold at premium(the bond will cost more then its face value), par (same as face value), and discount (bond will cost less then face value.)
Since the current market interest rate is higher, it is more attractive to a new investor then the bond with a lower interest rate. Thus, the price of the lower interest rate bond has to decline to be competitive with new bonds in the market.
by the interest rate they pay thier face value and their term
Yes, when the contract rate is lower than the market rate you have to take less money for people to be willing to accept the lower rate.
When the Federal Reserve lowers interest rates, the value of outstanding bonds will increase. The increase in the value of bonds is due to the market price of the bonds adjusting to reflect the lower interest rates available on new bonds. Investors with bond holdings enjoy an increase in the value of their holdings when the Fed cuts rates. However, new investors in bonds will receive a lower rate of interest and if the Fed later raises rates, bond investors will experience a decrease in the market value of their bonds.
Bond premiums refer to bonds that are issued at a price above its face value. for example, if the market rate for a bond is 8% and the stated rate on the bond is 9% then it would be a premium bond. Bond discounts refer to bonds that are issued at a price below its face value. For example, if the market rate for a bond is 9% and the stated rate on the bond is 10%, then it would be a discount bond.
Since the current market interest rate is higher, it is more attractive to a new investor then the bond with a lower interest rate. Thus, the price of the lower interest rate bond has to decline to be competitive with new bonds in the market.
The best way is to find a value a similar bond http://investment-income.net/rates/corporate-bonds-rate-page