The Treasury bonds They are financial instruments used by governments to finance public spending.
They are considered a safe investment alternative for investors, who acquire these titles in exchange for a payment of interest in certain terms.
In Guatemala, the placement of these bonds is regulated by the Ministry of Public Finance and, for fiscal year 2025, significant changes have been implemented in minimal investment amounts.
This article may also be interested: What are Guatemala’s treasure bonds and how can it be invested?
What are treasure bonds?
Also known as State bondsThey represent an investment used worldwide to meet government financing needs.
In this scheme, the bonus buyer, called forkgrants a loan to the State, which in turn undertakes to pay interest at the expiration of the established term.
Julio Marroquínof the Ministry of Financeexplains that one of the advantages of Treasury bonds It can be acquired at any time of the year, except when the State closes the reception of offers. In addition, the Investors do not lose interest generated from the bidding date.
Changes in Guatemala Treasury Bonds for 2025
The fiscal year for the placement of Treasury bonds He started February 25, 2025with two key modifications, according to the Government Agreement 14-2025 of the Ministry of Public Finance:
- The minimum investment amount was reduced to Q5 thousand.
- The maximum investment amount per fiscal period is Q1 million.
Four important data on treasure bonds
- The minimum investment is Q5 a thousand, with the possibility of increasing the amount in multiples of Q1 a thousand until reaching a maximum of Q1 million per fiscal period.
- Minority investors must hire a brokerwho will act as an intermediary between the Ministry of Finance and the buyer.
- Bag agents charge a commission that oscillates between the 0.25% and 0.50%.
- Interests are paid bimonthly.
How are interest calculated and when are they paid?
The formula for determining the interests generated is:
Nominal value x interest rate x passed days / 360
It is also possible to calculate through the online tool of the National Stock Exchange.
Examples of interest profits according to the amount and investment deadline:
- Q5 thousand to a year: Q150 in August and Q150 in February.
- Q5 thousand to two years: Q153.13 in August 2025 and Q153.13 in February 2026, repeating the same amount in the following semiannual payments.
- Q5 thousand to three years: Q156.10 In each semiannual payment until the period is completed.
In the case of Guatemala Treasury Bondsinterests are paid every six months.
The first payment is made in August And the second in February of the following year.
These amounts are accredited in the investor’s bank account, registered at the time of the opening of your securities account.
Brief history of state bonds
According to him Corporate Finance Institute (ICC)the first issuance of state bonds dates back to 1694when the king Guillermo III of England requested a loan from 1.2 million pounds sterling To finance a war against France.
Over time, bonds were consolidated as an efficient mechanism for the collection of government resources and a reliable investment alternative. In Guatemala, the issuance of Treasury bonds It is governed by the Organic Budget Law, Decree 101-97in force since the late 1990s.
In 2020, the participation of small investors was allowed, with an initial minimum amount of Q10 thousandwhich has been reduced to Q5 thousand for the first time in 2025.
Internationally, countries also place bonds in foreign markets. An example is Mexico, which in 2014 became the first Latin American country to issue Samurai bonds In Japan.
Guatemala, meanwhile, has made emissions of International bondslike the US $ 565 million to nine yearsplaced in 2023 with an interest rate of the 7.05%.
Steps to invest in 2025 Treasury Bonds in Guatemala
- Define the investment amount
- The minimum amount is Q5 thousand, with increases in multiples of Q1 a thousand up to a maximum of Q1 million.
- Select a bag agent
- Present the acquisition order
- The stock market agent manages the purchase of values on behalf of the investor.
- Liquidation of funds before the Ministry of Public Finance
- On the established date, the agent performs the settlement of the corresponding funds.
- Interest accreditation
- The generated interests are deposited in the investor’s bank account or can be withdrawn by check in the stock market agent office.
With these modifications and conditions, Treasury Bonds 2025 They continue to be an attractive option for those looking for a safe investment in Guatemala.