What do interest rates provide for bond investors?

Interest rates provide bond investors with a fixed return over the life of the investment because bonds are typically issued with a stated interest rate, known as the coupon rate. This rate determines the amount of interest income an investor will receive regularly, often semi-annually or annually, for the duration of the bond until maturity.

Since these payments are usually predetermined at the time of issuance, bondholders can anticipate stable income. This characteristic of bonds contributes to their appeal for risk-averse investors who prioritize steady cash flows and want to avoid the volatility associated with equities.

While there are other aspects to consider in bond investing, such as capital gains due to price fluctuations in the secondary market or potential security in case of a default, the primary function of interest rates in the context of bond investments is to deliver that reliable, fixed return. Thus, option A accurately reflects this foundational concept of bond investing.