money/investing/topics/bonds-bills

Treasury Yield Curve Explanation

Treasury Yield Curve Explanation

The yield curve plots interest rates comparing rates with time to maturity. However, the yield curve is more than a simple graph. The shape and slope of the curve is an indicator of current and future economic conditions.
Criteria for Assessing SRI Bond Funds

Criteria for Assessing SRI Bond Funds

Bonds should be a part of any investor’s portfolio and investors have a lot of choices today with specialty bond funds, such as SRIs. However, does an investor have to forsake good returns to invest with their conscience? Here is a set of criteria to evaluate current SRI bond funds on all fronts.
Government Bonds: Types of Savings Bonds

Government Bonds: Types of Savings Bonds

U.S. savings bonds are a safe way to set up a savings plan with amounts starting at $25. However, savings bonds are not just for kids’ college savings plans. These can pay attractive, tax-advantaged rates of interest, prompting many investors to learn about the different types of savings bonds.
Investing Basics: How Bond Duration Works

Investing Basics: How Bond Duration Works

Bond investing can become a little more complicated than checking yields and deciding whether or not to buy the bond or bond fund. Bond duration is a great analysis tool which helps an investor predict how a bond or fund portfolio will react to changes in interest rates.
Trading: How to Short the Bond Market

Trading: How to Short the Bond Market

Short selling the bond market produces trading profits if bond prices decline. The steps for how to short the bond market require an understanding of bond prices, interest rate relationship and which securities to use to short bonds.
How Bond Market Prices are Determined and Calculated

How Bond Market Prices are Determined and Calculated

Bond prices can involve many factors, but they you don’t have to consider them to be too arcane to be understood. Understanding basic terms like par value, premiums, discounts, yield to maturity, coupon rate, and accrued interest can go a long way in helping to understand the more complex concepts.