Understanding Coupon Rate and Yield to Maturity of Bonds When bonds are initially issued in the primary market, the Coupon Rate is based on current market rates, hence YTM is equal to the Coupon Rate. In the example bond above, when you bought the 3-year RTB issued at the primary market, your YTM and Coupon Rate is 2.375%. Now, what if you bought the security in the secondary market?