Yield Curve Analyzer
Visualize and analyze U.S. Treasury yield curves across decades
Interactive Yield Curve Analysis
Understanding Treasury Yield Curves
What is a Yield Curve?
A yield curve shows the relationship between interest rates (yields) and the time to maturity for U.S. Treasury securities. It's a snapshot of how much investors earn from holding government bonds of different durations.
Types of Yield Curves
- Normal (Upward Sloping): Longer-term bonds have higher yields
- Inverted (Downward Sloping): Short-term rates exceed long-term rates
- Flat: Similar yields across all maturities
Why It Matters
The yield curve is a key economic indicator. An inverted yield curve (short-term rates higher than long-term) has historically preceded economic recessions. It reflects investor expectations about future economic conditions and inflation.
Treasury Maturities
- Short-term: 3 months, 6 months, 1 year
- Medium-term: 2, 3, 5, 7 years
- Long-term: 10, 20, 30 years
Investment Insights
- Risk-Free Rate: Treasury yields serve as the baseline "risk-free" rate for all other investments
- Portfolio Strategy: Understanding yield curves helps in bond portfolio construction and duration management
- Economic Forecasting: The yield curve spread (10-year minus 2-year) is watched as a recession predictor
- Inflation Expectations: Rising long-term yields often signal inflation concerns
Data Source
Historical Treasury yield data sourced from the U.S. Department of the Treasury . Data represents July month-end snapshots from 1990 to present.