Most mid and long term US bonds pay interest semiannually. Short term US bonds usually don't pay interest, instead, the price of bond is discounted from par value when purchased. Amount of interest is based on bond's par value and the listed interest rate. For example, a US bond with $10,000 par value and 2.5% interest rate would pay $250 as interest annually, and $125semiannually.

US bond is recognized worldwide as one of the safest investment tool. Backed by the credit of US government, historically, US bond has never experienced default. Therefore, many investors view it as the base of "risk-free".

These types of Investors are most suitable to investing in US bond: Investors who seek for stability: for investors who want to avoid severe market volatility, US bond can be used as a relatively stable investment tool. Investors who are conservative: perfer low risk strategy and ensure the safety of asset. Investors who take diversified portfolio: to balance the risk in porfolio, it is common to management part of asset to US bond. Investors who are retiree or near retirement: these investors would value the security of principal and stable return. Investors who take hedging strategy: at economic downturn or market with high uncertainty, US bond can be used to hedge other high risk assets. Currency risk manager: for some non-US investors,buying US bond could be a strategy to hedge the depreciation of currency Short term asset management: for institutions and investors that need to hold large amount of cash, US bond is a safe and interest bearing choice of investment. To summarize with, any investor who is seeking for relatively stable return and lower overall investment risk, could consider investing in US bond.

uSMART supports "T+0" trading of US bond, which means the buy and sell could take place within the day. The settlement day is "T+1", which means the money would be received at the next trading day after selling the bond. When the bond reaches maturity, the receive of principal would also follow the "T+1" rule.

No, you can hold it to maturity, or sell earlier within any trading period.