Low Sales of Foreign Employment Savings Bond, Citizen Savings Bond Achieves 100% Success

The Public Debt Management Office reported minimal sales of the "Foreign Employment Savings Bond–2086 (A)" issued on Mangsir 12. Of the NPR 500 million worth of bonds available, only about 11% were sold before the sales closed on Sunday.

In contrast, the "Citizen Savings Bond–2086 (A)," also issued by the office, achieved 100% sales. The Citizen Savings Bond offers an interest rate of 7.5%, while the Foreign Employment Savings Bond offers a slightly higher rate of 8.5%. Interest payments for both bonds are credited directly to the buyers' bank accounts every six months.

Despite offering more attractive returns compared to fixed deposits, many citizens are unaware of the benefits of government bonds. Investors typically prefer alternatives such as real estate, gold, stock markets, and fixed deposits, leaving bonds underappreciated as an investment option.

Government bonds are considered a secure, simple, and rewarding investment. However, factors such as a lack of awareness, procedural complexities, and limited understanding of the secondary market have resulted in low interest from investors in these instruments.