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junk bonds

Cultural  
  1. Technically known as bonds of “less than investment grade,” they are short-term, high-yield bonds. They were widely used in the 1980s to finance mergers, especially hostile ones.


Example Sentences

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Treasuries now yield 4% to almost 5%; investment-grade corporate bonds, 5% to 6%; mortgage securities, 5.5%; junk bonds, 7% or more; preferred stock, 6%; and municipal bonds, 2% to 4%.

From Barron's Jun. 26, 2026

That venture raised $5.7 billion in a sale of junk bonds, with proceeds going toward buying land and developing a 430 megawatt data-center complex in New Lebanon, Ind.

From The Wall Street Journal May 1, 2026

Yet junk bonds might prove more resilient than their loan peers in the speculative credit market in rocky times ahead.

From The Wall Street Journal Apr. 6, 2026

The move could kick off a trend of data centers funded by junk bonds — debt issued by companies too financially shaky to be rated investment-grade by the ratings agencies.

From MarketWatch Nov. 8, 2025

This could be bad for investors holding risky assets, specifically junk bonds.

From Barron's Oct. 20, 2025

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