Bond Pricing
XYZ 5.50s 2030 last traded at 102. This bond is selling at:
Premium = above 100 (coupon > market rate). Discount = below 100 (coupon < market rate).
Complete Analysis & Legal Rationale
A price of 102 means 102% of par value ($1,020 for a $1,000 bond). Since this exceeds par (100), the bond is trading at a PREMIUM. This occurs when the coupon rate exceeds current market rates.
Distractor Autopsy (Why Other Options Are Traps)
FINRA exam writers design incorrect distractors using specific calculation mistakes and regulatory misconceptions. Review why each option succeeds or fails:
Par would be 100, not 102.
Matches the verified teaching point in the explanation.
A discount would be below 100, like 98.
Asset value is not a bond pricing term.
Official Standard: Outline-level citation pending rule-specific upgrade. Verify against current FINRA Series 7 outline.