Debt instruments are crucial for both investors and borrowers. For investors, debt instruments offer a way to earn fixed or variable returns through interest payments. They are typically seen as lower risk than equity investments, though the risk of default depends on the creditworthiness of the issuer. For borrowers, issuing debt instruments allows them to raise capital without diluting ownership, as is the case with equity financing. Debt instruments are used by governments, corporations, and other entities to finance various operations and projects.