Yield Curve
INTRODUCTION
There are a variety of factors that impact the shape of the yield curve but monetary authorities influence greatly the shape of the yield curve .Monetary authorities influence the shape of the yield curve by initiating either a contractionary monetary policy or an expansionary monetary policy.A yield curve is a line that plots the interest rates, at a set point in time, of bonds having equal credit quality, but differing maturity dates. The most frequently reported yield curve compares the three-month, two-year, five-year and 30-year Treasury debt. This yield curve is used as a benchmark for other debt in the market, such as mortgage rates or bank lending rates. The curve is also used to predict changes in economic output and growth.
The shape of the yield curve is closely scrutinized because it helps to give an idea of future interest rate change and economic activity. There are three main types of yield curve shapes: normal, inverted and flat (or humped). A normal yield curve (pictured here) is one in which longer maturity bonds have a higher yield compared to shorter-term bonds due to the risks associated with time. An inverted yield curve is one in which the shorter-term yields are higher than the longer-term yields, which can be a sign of upcoming recession. A flat (or humped) yield curve is one in which the shorter- and longer-term yields are very close to each other, which is also a predictor of an economic transition. The slope of the yield curve is also seen as important: the greater the slope, the greater the gap between short- and long-term rates.
changes in the shape of the yield curve are often as important to the investment performance of fixed income securities. Yield curve notes have fixed maturities and provide coupon interest at a rate that varies inversely with the level of short-term interest rates. The price of a yield curve is more sensitive to changes in interest rates than a fixed-rate note with the same maturity. As such,
There are a variety of factors that impact the shape of the yield curve but monetary authorities influence greatly the shape of the yield curve .Monetary authorities influence the shape of the yield curve by initiating either a contractionary monetary policy or an expansionary monetary policy.A yield curve is a line that plots the interest rates, at a set point in time, of bonds having equal credit quality, but differing maturity dates. The most frequently reported yield curve compares the three-month, two-year, five-year and 30-year Treasury debt. This yield curve is used as a benchmark for other debt in the market, such as mortgage rates or bank lending rates. The curve is also used to predict changes in economic output and growth.
The shape of the yield curve is closely scrutinized because it helps to give an idea of future interest rate change and economic activity. There are three main types of yield curve shapes: normal, inverted and flat (or humped). A normal yield curve (pictured here) is one in which longer maturity bonds have a higher yield compared to shorter-term bonds due to the risks associated with time. An inverted yield curve is one in which the shorter-term yields are higher than the longer-term yields, which can be a sign of upcoming recession. A flat (or humped) yield curve is one in which the shorter- and longer-term yields are very close to each other, which is also a predictor of an economic transition. The slope of the yield curve is also seen as important: the greater the slope, the greater the gap between short- and long-term rates.
changes in the shape of the yield curve are often as important to the investment performance of fixed income securities. Yield curve notes have fixed maturities and provide coupon interest at a rate that varies inversely with the level of short-term interest rates. The price of a yield curve is more sensitive to changes in interest rates than a fixed-rate note with the same maturity. As such,