Corporate Bond Analysis for British Investors: Credit Spread Decomposition, Duration Risk, and Default Probability Modelling
British investors face a wide array of fixed-income options, each with unique risk and return characteristics. Among these, corporate bonds have emerged as a critical component of a well-rounded portfolio.
Unlike government securities, corporate bonds carry distinct risk factors that require a nuanced understanding of credit spreads, interest rate sensitivity, and the likelihood of default. For investors seeking to optimize returns while managing risk, a structured approach to corporate bond analysis is essential.
Understanding Credit Spread Decomposition
Credit spreads are the additional yield a corporate bond offers over a risk-free government bond of similar maturity. This premium compensates investors for the risk of lending to a corporate entity rather than the government. Understanding the composition of credit spreads is vital because it allows investors to isolate the sources of risk and make informed investment decisions.
Credit spreads generally consist of several components:
- Default Risk Premium: Compensation for the possibility that








