Duration
Duration measures the timing of bond cash flows and, in modified form, approximates price sensitivity to yield changes.
Plain-language meaning
Duration measures the timing of bond cash flows and, in modified form, approximates price sensitivity to yield changes.
Why it is useful
Duration is useful as descriptive evidence when it is compared on the same definition, source, period, unit and exact listing. It is one input to research, not a verdict.
Where it appears in XMarketRadar
Look for Duration in the Bond scanner, bond factsheets, comparison fields and yield/risk context.
How it is calculated or sourced
Macaulay duration is the present-value-weighted average cash-flow time. Modified duration adjusts it to approximate percentage price sensitivity to a small yield change.
Inputs, period and unit
Read the disclosed inputs or source, observation period, bar interval, unit, native currency and scale. A value without its source and as-of context is incomplete; unlike units must not be combined.
Worked example
Illustrative only: Modified duration of 4.5 suggests roughly a 4.5% price decline for a small one-percentage-point yield rise, before convexity and other effects.
What high and low mean
A higher or lower Duration value is descriptive, not automatically good or bad. Meaning depends on the instrument, comparison period, method and related evidence.
Positive, negative and genuine zero
Positive and negative Duration values retain the definition shown here. A genuine reported or computed zero is displayed as 0 and is not the same as missing evidence.
Limitations and common mistakes
These measures assume specified cash flows and conventions. Calls, defaults, variable coupons, taxes, liquidity and large yield moves can invalidate simplified interpretation.
Market-specific differences
Day-count, coupon frequency, settlement, tax, price quotation and rating scales vary across all supported markets. Use the contract and venue conventions shown with the bond.
Suggested next steps
Open the related Fixed income terms below, then follow the matching Help Centre task guide and inspect Duration on an exact exchange listing. Confirm source, as-of time, units and unavailable reason before using it in research.
Educational information only; not investment advice or an order service.
This Duration tutorial is educational and descriptive. It is not investment advice, a price prediction, a recommendation, or an instruction to buy, sell, rebalance or place an order.