Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do the APIs, MCP Server, and calculator follow industry standards?
A: Yes. The APIs, MCP server, and the demonstration calculator were developed by the same people that developed the Standard Securities Calculations Methods books and subscription Benchmarking and Validation Calculator. All of their products use the same Function as a Service (FaaS) technology for performing calculations. More information on the standard setting books and benchmarking tools can be found at www.sscmfi.com.
Q: What types of securities are covered by the calculator?
A: The calculator covers U.S. Treasury, Municipal, Corporate, Agency, and bank securities with the following structures: issued at a discount and pays only principal at maturity; pays interest and principal at maturity; pays a fixed amount of interest periodically; stepped coupons; zero coupons; payment in kind; coupon bearing certificates of deposit.
Q: Do the APIs perform yield to worst calculations on callable bonds?
A: Yes, the APIs, MCP server, and the demonstration calculator perform yield to worst calculations on callable bonds. They support discrete and continuous call schedules, with and without notification periods.
Q: Where can I get more information about the books?
A: For more details on the Standard Securities Calculation Methods books, the updates and new additions, or to purchase a printed volume or a web book subscription, please visit www.sscmfi.com
Q: Some of the payment/security types do not allow for odd first and/or last coupons. Will that capability be added?
A: Only the Discount and IAM (Interest At Maturity) payment types do not allow for odd periods as these securities do not have periodic coupon payments.
Q: Can I access the FaaS calculation capability directly so that I can incorporate the calculations into my own system?
A: Yes. There is a public API that is free to access. It is fully function but rate limited. You can find more information by selecting the API menu option above. There is also a public MCP server that is free to access. It covers price, yield to worst, and accrued interest for fixed rate bonds. For more information select the MCP menu above.