The correct answer is: B. outstanding bonds
An increase in interest rates leads to a decline in the value of outstanding bonds because the higher interest rates make it more attractive to investors to buy new bonds with higher interest rates. This means that investors are willing to pay less for existing bonds, which drives down their value.
Junk bonds are bonds that are considered to be high-risk investments. They are often issued by companies with poor credit ratings. When interest rates increase, the value of junk bonds typically declines even more than the value of other bonds. This is because investors are even more reluctant to invest in high-risk bonds when interest rates are high.
Standing bonds are bonds that have been issued but are not yet due to be repaid. The value of standing bonds can fluctuate based on a number of factors, including interest rates. However, the impact of interest rates on the value of standing bonds is typically less pronounced than the impact on the value of outstanding bonds.
Premium bonds are bonds that are sold at a premium to their face value. This means that investors pay more for the bonds than they will be repaid when the bonds mature. The value of premium bonds can fluctuate based on a number of factors, including interest rates. However, the impact of interest rates on the value of premium bonds is typically less pronounced than the impact on the value of other bonds.