c instructions plural: an outline or manual of technical procedure : directions d: a code that tells a computer to perform a particular operation 2: the action, practice, or profession of teaching
The yield curve describes the yields for Treasury bills, notes and bonds. It's called a curve because, if it were plotted on a graph, the yields would normally slope up. That's because Treasury bills, which are of short duration, don't usually pay as high a yield as the notes and even longer-term bonds. Why?
Yield to Maturity. The rate of return on a bond if it is held until maturity. This is expressed as an annual rate; the calculation of the YTM includes the coupon rate (if any), length of the bond, market value, and face value. Bond quotes are made in terms of the YTM, but an individual investor's yield may be different if he/she does not hold the bond, or if the bond is called before maturity.