This section shows a comparison of key interest rates. The difference between long and short term rates tells us about the economy. Also, it allows us to make more informed investment decisions if we are interested in the fixed income market.

 

Just like people talk about the "inflation rate", so they talk about the "interest rate". In reality, interest rates abound. We compare risk free rates (Treasury yields) to corporate yields, which have a higher spread. The spread differential reveals people's expectation of economic conditions, too.