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STAIRS

A convertible municipal bond. STAIRS are zero-coupon bonds that may be converted into interest-bearing bonds. Zero-coupon bonds are sold at a discount, and, because they do not pay interest, they are more volatile in the secondary market. A bondholder may thus wish to convert STAIRS to interest-bearing bonds in order to lock in a certain return. On the other hand, more risk tolerant bondholders may wish to hold the bond in the belief that a fluctuation in interest rates will make the bond more valuable. Like all municipal bonds, STAIRS are exempt from federal taxes. They are also called municipal convertibles.