In general terms, developed countries (issuers of sovereign debt) still pay the lowest coupons, followed by well-financed companies (issuers of investment grade corporate debt) and then indebted, riskier firms which pay more again (issuers of high yield or junk debt). The yield on UK government debt, or gilts, remains a hot topic on the trading floors and in meeting rooms across investment banks, fund managers and hedge funds. Credit risk: the issuer proves unable to pay the coupons (interest) or ultimately repay the whole loan (principal) upon maturity. Inflation risk: rising prices and increased money supply reduce the real-terms value of the coupons paid by most bonds (index-linked bonds being an exception). Liquidity risk: government bonds are usually easier to sell in the desired size, at the required time and desired price than corporate ones.