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Yield Curve

A graph showing interest rates across different bond maturities.

The yield curve plots interest rates of bonds with equal credit quality but different maturity dates. Normally, longer-term bonds offer higher yields. An inverted yield curve, where short-term rates exceed long-term rates, has historically preceded recessions and is closely watched by investors.

Key Takeaways

  • Context matters when interpreting any financial metric.
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Quick Reference

Category
economics
Difficulty
Beginner
Reading Time
1 min

Where You'll See This

This concept appears throughout stock detail pages and financial data.