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Weighted Average Life

Measures average time until principal is repaid.

Formula

WAL = Σ(t × principal repayment_t)/Total principal

Variables: Repayment times; principal amounts

What it means

Measures average time until principal is repaid.

Example

Amortizing principal paid earlier reduces WAL relative to final legal maturity.

How to interpret it

This concept should be read together with its market convention, measurement horizon and underlying instrument. BondStats presents it as an analytical reference rather than investment advice; instrument documentation and primary market rules remain authoritative.

BondStats reference content is independently written. Mathematical relationships, abbreviations and market conventions are presented for educational and analytical use.