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Glossary Show All

Gross Yield: Definition & Meaning | Bondfish

What it means

Gross yield is the “headline” return you see quoted on most bond listings. It captures the income (and, in yield-to-maturity terms, the pull to par) but ignores what leaves your pocket later: income tax, capital-gains tax, and any platform or transaction fees. Because it is measured before those costs, gross yield is a clean way to compare bonds on a like-for-like basis — as long as you remember it is not what you actually keep.

The opposite figure is net yield, the return after taxes and costs. The gap between the two depends on your tax residence, the type of bond, and your broker’s charges.

Why it matters for bond investors

Comparing bonds on gross yield alone can mislead. A government bond taxed lightly may deliver a higher net yield than a corporate bond with a higher gross yield but heavier taxation. Always start from gross yield to screen and rank candidates, then convert to net before you decide — the ranking can flip once taxes and fees are applied.

Example

Bond gross yield = 5.0%
Tax + fees = 1.3 percentage points
Net yield = 5.0% − 1.3% = 3.7%

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