When you purchase a bond, you are lending money to the issuer for a fixed amount of time. This specific future date on which your principal will be returned is known as the bond's maturity. Maturity is generally a good indication of when you as the investor will get you money back. However, some Corporate and Municipal bonds can be redeemed or "called" prior to maturity. Because certain call provisions can drastically affect the term of your bond investment, Bond Screener has built in "Call Protection" in each of the maturity ranges listed in this section. This means that no matter what the redemption provisions of the bond, it will always fall within the range that you choose below.

Generally speaking, yields rise as maturities get longer. Also, the longer the maturity, the more the price of the bond will change (up or down) as general interest rate levels change.

1. 1 to 3 years

   Considered Short Term, bonds in this category will mature or may be called in 1 to 3 years.

2. 3 to 5 years

   Considered Short to Medium Term, bonds in this category will mature or may be called in 3 to 5 years.

3. 5 to 8 years

   Considered Medium Term, bonds in this category will mature or may be called in 5 to 8 years.

4. 8 to 12 years

   Considered Medium to Long Term, bonds in this category will mature or may be called in 8 to 12 years.

5. 12 or more years

   Considered Long Term, bonds in this category will mature or may be called in 12 years or longer.