a bond quote provides the current price at which a bond is traded in the market it s essential for investors and traders to gauge the value of a bond in the marketplace bond quotes are typically provided as a percentage of the bond s face value the amount the bond will be worth at maturity understanding bond quotes helps investors compare different bonds and decide which bonds to buy or sell 
for instance the bond s face value also known as its par value is generally set at 100 representing 100 of a bond s face value of 1 000 when a bond quote is given as 102 the bond is trading at 102 of its face value or 1 020 conversely a bond quote of 98 denotes the bond is trading at 98 of its face value or 980 such fluctuations in bond prices can occur because of various factors including changes in interest rates the bond s credit rating or broader market conditions by examining bond quotes investors can confirm the current market value of a bond which in turn helps to make a more informed decision whether to buy hold or sell investopedia yurle villegas