What does the yield-to-call represent?

The yield-to-call represents the bond's yield if it is called before maturity. This metric is particularly relevant for callable bonds, which give the issuer the right to redeem the bond before its scheduled maturity date, often under specific conditions. When calculating the yield-to-call, one considers the bond's call price, coupon payments, and the time remaining until the call date. This is crucial for investors, as the bond's potential early redemption can significantly affect its overall return.

In contrast, the other options focus on different yield measures that do not take the early call feature into account. For instance, the yield to maturity is concerned with the total return if the bond is held until it matures, while some options look at coupon rates or market price changes, which do not specifically address the implications of a bond being called before maturity. This distinct focus on the scenarios involving early redemption explains why the yield-to-call is so important for investors in callable bonds.