How to Track Bonds Using CUSIP

Fidelty maintains a huge database of bond information free of charge.

CUSIP stands for Committee on Uniform Securities Identification Procedures. It oversees the CUSIP system which assigns a unique identification number to all securities including bonds and stocks. Since the CUSIP is used to identify securities it is also a great way to track securities. The challenge can sometimes be finding a reputable resource to use. While most investment research sites allow you to look up a bond by its CUSIP, there is one which provides information about several different categories and is free of charge.

Instructions

1. Obtain the CUSIP number for the bond you want to track. The CUSIP is nine letters and numbers. You can also contact CUSIP by calling 212-438-6500.

2. Pull up the Fidelity Fixed Income Search page which allows you to search from over 20,000 bonds and CDs (certificates of deposit).

3. Enter the CUSIP in the box on the upper left-hand pane. Be sure to click the "CUSIP (New & Secondary)" button to search by CUSIP.

4. Click "Go" to obtain results for that specific bond and track over time. You can track the bond's performance by yield or price -- both reflect market sentiment and demand.

References

• Fidelity: Fixed Income Search
• SEC: CUSIP