What are bonds and why do they matter?

28 October 2011 Last updated at 10:32 ET Help

When a government or a big company needs to borrow a lot of money, it issues what are known as "bonds".

And, just like shares on the stock market, bonds tell you a lot about the perceived financial health of the issuer.

Justin Rowlatt, of the BBC World Service's Business Daily, explains why.

You can find out more on our special report: The global economy - making it clear

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