The maturity date is the calendar date on which the issuer must repay the bond's face value (par value) to the holder and end the loan-like contract. It marks the end of the predictable fixed cash-flow schedule for the instrument.
Investors consider the maturity date when aligning a portfolio with an intended time horizon and known cash needs. It also influences pricing, since the time to receipt of principal affects the present value of future payments. Longer maturities generally expose a bond to more sensitivity to interest-rate changes, reflected in higher duration and potentially greater price volatility, while shorter maturities typically result in lower sensitivity. The maturity date interacts with coupon characteristics to determine the overall yield profile.
The stated maturity date can be affected by features such as call or put provisions, which may allow repayment before the scheduled date. In the event of issuer default, repayment at the maturity date may not occur. Liquidity, credit quality, and prevailing market rates also shape how a bond with a given maturity trades in the market. Understanding the maturity date helps map cash-flow timing to objectives and risk tolerance without implying any specific investment action.
Example: A corporate bond with a par value of $1,000 that matures on December 15, 2030 would repay $1,000 at that date.
Bond · Par value · Coupon rate · Yield to maturity · Duration · Interest rate risk