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?
U.S. Treasury Bonds - not to be confused with savings bonds - are a type of long-term fixed-principal marketable security of 10 to 30 years. After purchase, interest payments are paid every six months until final maturity, when the principal is paid. The interest rate is determined at the time of auction.