can yield to maturity be higher than coupon rate?
If you purchase a bond with a 6.0% coupon at par, its yield to maturity is 6.0%. If you pay more than par, the yield to maturity will be lower than the coupon rate. If purchased below par, the bond will have a yield to maturity higher than the coupon rate. When the price of a tax-exempt bond increases above its par value, it is said to be selling at a premium. When the security sells below par value, it is said to be selling at a discount. previous | next.