Treasury Yields Hit 17-Year High

September 17, 2024
The treasury department building is lit up at night with a statue in front of it.

As the Federal Reserve raised interest rates to combat inflation, yields on U.S. Treasury securities climbed to levels not seen since before the Great Recession (see chart).


Considering how stubborn inflation has been, the Fed may move slowly in decreasing interest rates. So Treasury yields might remain relatively elevated for some time, even though they have backed off recent highs. In the longer term, Treasuries purchased in the current high-rate environment could offer higher yields than new issues, potentially increasing their value on the secondary market.


You might consider holding Treasuries to maturity to add stability and predictable income to your portfolio, or you could purchase them with an eye toward selling if prices rise — or both. Whatever your goals, there are a variety of Treasury securities available, with maturity dates ranging from four weeks to 30 years. Although longer-term securities typically offer higher yields, the opposite has been true during the last two years, in part because short-term Treasuries respond more directly to changes in the federal funds rate, the Fed's primary tool for influencing interest rates. As the funds rate declines, Treasury yields by maturity — called the yield curve — might return to a more typical pattern.



Purchasing Treasuries

Treasuries are sold in $100 denominations and can be purchased as new-issue securities through a Treasury auction, either directly from the U.S. Treasury (treasurydirect.gov) or from a bank, broker, or dealer, or on the secondary market through a brokerage firm.


When buying Treasuries (or any bonds), keep in mind that yield is the annual return based on the purchase price and the interest rate paid on the face (par) value, called the coupon rate. When a bond is purchased at face value, the yield is the same as the coupon rate. Treasuries, whether at auction or on the secondary market, are typically sold above or below face value — at a premium or a discount, respectively — to offer a yield in line with the current market. Interest paid on Treasuries is subject to federal income tax but exempt from state and local income taxes.


  • Treasury bills (T-bills) are short-term securities issued with maturities of four, eight, 13, 17, 26, and 52 weeks. T-bills are sold at a discount from their face value, and the difference between the discount price and the face value at maturity, called the discount rate, is interest paid on the bill.

  • Treasury notes (T-notes) earn a fixed rate of interest every six months and are issued in maturities of two, three, five, seven, and 10 years. The 10-year Treasury note is often referenced regarding the performance of the bond market and is also used as a benchmark by the mortgage market.



Following the Fed

Yields on short-term Treasuries, up to the one-year bill, generally follow the federal funds rate. Until the rapid increase in the funds rate that began in 2022, longer-term Treasuries offered higher yields, because investors typically demand a higher premium for tying up their cash for a longer period.

A graph showing the federal funds effective rate
  • Treasury bonds (T-bonds) are similar to T-notes but have a maturity of 20 or 30 years. Like the T-note, they provide an interest payment every six months.

  • Treasury inflation-protected securities (TIPS) are inflation-indexed bonds with the principal adjusted by changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). If the CPI rises, the principal value of TIPS increases, which can be a helpful hedge against inflation. TIPS are issued in maturities of five, 10, and 30 years. (Unless you own TIPS in a tax-deferred account, you must pay federal income tax on the income plus any increase in principal, even though you won't receive any accrued principal until the bond matures.)

  • Treasury floating-rate notes (FRNs) are issued with a two-year maturity and an interest rate that is adjusted weekly, based on the most recent discount rate for 13-week T-bills. However, interest payments are made quarterly.


U.S. Treasury securities are guaranteed by the federal government as to the timely payment of principal and interest. The principal value of Treasury securities fluctuates with market conditions. If not held to maturity, they could be worth more or less than the original amount paid.


All Securities Through Money Concepts Capital Corp., Member FINRA / SIPC

11440 North Jog Road, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418 Phone: 561.472.2000

Copyright 2010 Money Concepts International Inc.

Investments are not FDIC or NCUA Insured

May Lose Value - No Bank or Credit Union Guarantee

This communication is strictly intended for individuals residing in the state(s) of MI. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident outside the specific states referenced.

Prepared by Broadridge Advisor Solutions Copyright 2020.

A man in a suit is using a laptop and a tablet.
April 22, 2025
Extended warranties are offered by retailers for an additional cost and cover product repairs for a specific period of time under certain conditions.
A man is talking on a cell phone in a bakery while looking at a tablet.
April 22, 2025
Most of us think of life insurance as protection against financial loss should we die prematurely. But when we reach retirement and the kids are all self-sufficient, do we still need life insurance?
A woman is sitting at a table with a laptop and a piece of paper.
April 22, 2025
529 plans were originally created in 1996 as a tax-advantaged way to save for college.
A group of business people are standing next to each other in front of a white wall.
April 22, 2025
The labor force participation rate — the percentage of Americans age 16 and older who are working or actively looking for work — peaked in early 2000.
Show More