Fixed Deposits (FDs) are offered by banks and financial institutions. They provide a fixed rate of interest over a specified period. FDs are considered a low-risk instrument since the principal and interest are predetermined. Early withdrawal may involve a penalty, and returns are generally lower than market-linked instruments.
Bonds are debt instruments issued by governments or corporations. They pay a fixed interest over a defined period and return the principal at maturity. Bonds can vary in tenure and risk profile. Different types include government bonds, corporate bonds, municipal bonds, zero-coupon bonds, convertible bonds, high-yield bonds, gold bonds, and sovereign gold bonds.

Capital Gain Bonds
These bonds provide tax exemption on long-term capital gains if reinvested as per Income Tax regulations. They are issued by government entities and have a specified lock-in period. The tax benefit is subject to government conditions.

Government Bonds
Issued by the government, these bonds are considered safe. They are backed by government guarantee and are available in short, medium, or long-term tenures.

Corporate Bonds
Issued by companies, these bonds usually offer higher interest than government bonds. Creditworthiness of the issuer is important, and these carry comparatively higher risk.

Municipal Bonds
Issued by local or state governments for public projects, some municipal bonds offer tax-free interest income.

Zero-coupon Bonds
These bonds are sold at a discount and pay no periodic interest. The face value is received at maturity. Suitable for long-term investors seeking a lump sum at maturity.

Convertible Bonds
These can be converted into equity shares of the issuing company. They provide both potential capital growth and interest income.

High-yield Bonds
These bonds offer higher returns than other bonds but come with higher risk. They are issued by lower-rated companies and are also called junk bonds.

Gold Bonds
Issued by the Government of India, these bonds are denominated in grams of gold. They provide returns based on gold price appreciation along with interest income.

Sovereign Gold Bonds
These government securities allow investors to invest in gold without holding physical gold. They are tradable on stock exchanges with defined minimum and maximum limits.