How often does a CMO pay interest?

A Collateralized Mortgage Obligation (CMO) pays interest monthly. This characteristic is significant because it aligns with the cash flow patterns of the underlying mortgage loans, which typically have monthly payments. The monthly interest payments provide investors with a more frequent return on their investment compared to other types of securities, such as bonds, which might pay interest less frequently.

Given the structure of CMOs, the payments can vary based on the type of tranche and the underlying mortgage pool's performance, but the fundamental principle is that interest is distributed to investors each month. This monthly pay structure helps investors manage cash flow and reinvestment opportunities more effectively.