Help & Support
Welcome to the YieldGimp Help page. This page provides explanations and resources to help you get the most out of our Apps and Services. If you need further assistance, please contact us at admin@yieldgimp.com.
YieldGimp offers iPhone and Android applications for mobile users, and a more detailed version on a desktop computer web browser www.yieldgimp.com.
Screenshots from the web browser app for desktop users – www.yieldgimp.com
Common Terms & Definitions
- Gross Redemption Yield
The gross yield (before taxes) a holder receives and is a per annum rate. The calculation includes coupon income and the capital gain or loss as the gilt moves towards its redemption value (100 for conventional gilts). This calculation is a per annum rate but its particular basis is called "semi-annual" because gilts pay coupons twice per year.
- Net Redemption Yield
Similar in all respects to Gross Redemption Yield, but after income tax has been deducted from the coupon interest.
Note that gilts are currently classed as Qualifying Corporate Bonds, which means that gains are not chargeable gains for private investors. This is not tax advice—please refer to: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/gilt-edged-securities-exempt-from-capital-gains-tax.
- Gross Equivalent
The bank interest rate which, after income tax, would be equivalent to the net yield of the relevant gilt security. Calculated as: Net Redemption Yield / (1 - Income Tax Rate).
- Income Yield
Income Yield (or Current or Flat Yield) is the coupon yield only, and ignores gains or losses in price. Calculated as: Coupon / Price.
- Modified Duration
The percentage price change caused by a +1% increase in Gross Redemption Yield. This gives an indication of the price risk of a gilt security. Shorter-dated gilts have less interest rate sensitivity than longer-dated gilts.
- Macaulay Duration
Similar to Modified Duration, Macaulay Duration gives an idea of the sensitivity of a gilt security to yield changes. Macaulay Duration is quoted in Years - and quantifies the weighted average time until a bond's cash flows are received.
- Settlement Date
Gilt market settlement convention is Trade Date + 1 business day ("T+1"). Some retail web platforms trade "T+2". This can affect the right to the next coupon (see Ex-Date).
- Ex-Date & Right to Next Coupon
Entitlement to the next coupon depends upon the Settlement Date (not the Trade Date). For trades settling on or before the ex-date, the buyer receives the next coupon. YieldGimp apps quote an "Effective Ex-Date" - which is the Trading Day on which the right to the next coupon is lost. Please note: as some retail web platforms settle gilts T+2, the Effective Ex-Date is one business day earlier than market convention (T+1). Either way it is made up for in the calculation of Accrued Interest.
Index-Linked Gilts
- Gross Real Yield
Similar to Gross Redemption Yield for conventional gilts, this gives an idea of the REAL yield of an index-linked gilt - or the return in excess of any RPI growth.
- Base RPI
The reference rate of RPI (calculated on the 3-month lagging method) of the relevant index-linked gilt on the day it was first issued (settled).
- Reference RPI
The level of RPI for the current settlement date (calculated on the 3-month lagging method).
- Index Ratio
The Reference RPI divided by the Base RPI.
- Breakeven RPI Growth
The Retail Price Index growth rate (per annum) required such that the return of the index-linked gilt is equivalent to a similar maturity conventional gilt. This is calculated off the most recently announced RPI level, and gives some indication of the market's expectation of inflation. Currently this calculation is only shown on the desktop version of the app.
- Index-Linked Modified Duration
The percentage price change caused by a +1% increase in Gross Real Yield.
Need More Help?
If you have technical issues or questions about using the apps (e.g., logging in, using the calculators or interpreting charts), please contact us:
Tips for Using the App
- Ensure your internet connection is stable for data updates (every 5 minutes or so).
- If prices or yields appear outdated, refresh the app to load the latest data.
- Charts can be toggled for different yield or duration views—tap the header in the app for options.
- Look out for feature updates and app version notices in the main menu.
Disclaimer
While we aim to provide accurate data and features, please note that our Services are not investment advice. Always consult a professional advisor before making investment decisions.
Last updated: 2 May 2025