An 8% bond priced against three different markets, same par value, same cash interest.
$93,537
Pays less than the market wants.
$100,000
Rates match exactly.
$107,020
Pays more than the market wants.
A 's is fixed when it is printed. The moves with the economy, and it is what investors compare the bond against.
When the contract rate falls short of the market, investors pay less than $100,000 par — a . When it beats the market, they pay more — a . Either way, the price adjusts so the buyer still earns the going rate.