Treasuries

Overview

Treasuries refer to negotiable debt obligations issued by the U.S. government, secured by its full faith and credit. They are considered one of the safest investments due to governmental backing. Different types of Treasury securities are issued with various schedules and maturities, making them suitable for diverse investment goals.

Types of Treasuries

Treasury Bills (T-Bills): Short-term securities that mature in one year or less.
Treasury Notes (T-Notes): Intermediate-term securities with maturities ranging from two to ten years.
Treasury Bonds (T-Bonds): Long-term securities that mature in 30 years.

Features

Security: Backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government.
Tax Treatment: The interest income is exempt from state and local taxes but is subject to federal income tax.

Examples

A 3-Month T-Bill: Purchased at a discount, and the face value is paid upon maturity.
A 10-Year T-Note: Pays semi-annual interest and returns the principal upon maturity.
A 30-Year T-Bond: Offers a fixed interest rate and provides steady income over a long period.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes U.S. Treasury securities one of the safest investments?

Explanation: U.S. Treasury securities are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government, ensuring that all principal and interest payments will be made as scheduled.

How often do Treasury Notes pay interest?

Explanation: Treasury Notes pay interest semi-annually.

Are the interests earned from Treasuries taxed?

Explanation: Interest from U.S. Treasury securities is exempt from state and local taxes but subject to federal income taxes.

Can I sell my Treasury security before maturity?

Explanation: Yes, Treasuries can be sold on the secondary market before maturity.

Treasury Bill (T-Bill): Short-term government security with a maturity of less than one year.
Treasury Bond (T-Bond): A long-term government security with a maturity of 30 years.
Treasury Note (T-Note): A government security with a maturity between two and ten years.

Online References

Suggested Books for Further Studies

“The Bond Book” by Annette Thau - Comprehensive guide to bond investing, including U.S. Treasury securities.
“The Handbook of Fixed Income Securities” by Frank J. Fabozzi - In-depth coverage of all fixed income securities with detailed discussions on Treasuries.
“Treasury Market Practices Group (TMPG) Best Practices” by Federal Reserve Bank of New York - Insightful read on market practices for trading and investing in Treasuries.

Fundamentals of Treasuries: Finance Basics Quiz

### What security feature backs Treasuries making them a safe investment? - [ ] Corporate guarantees - [x] Full faith and credit of the U.S. government - [ ] Collateral assets - [ ] State government backing > **Explanation:** Treasuries are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, ensuring their security. ### What is the maturity period of a typical Treasury Note? - [ ] Less than one year - [x] Two to ten years - [ ] Eleven to 20 years - [ ] 30 years > **Explanation:** Treasury Notes have a maturity period of two to ten years. ### How frequently do T-Notes pay interest? - [x] Semi-annually - [ ] Annually - [ ] Quarterly - [ ] At maturity > **Explanation:** Treasury Notes pay interest to investors every six months (semi-annually). ### Is the interest from Treasuries subject to federal taxes? - [x] Yes - [ ] No - [ ] Only for Treasury Bonds - [ ] Depends on the investment amount > **Explanation:** The interest earned from Treasuries is subject to federal income taxes. ### Can Treasuries be sold before they mature? - [x] Yes, they can be sold on the secondary market - [ ] No, they must be held to maturity - [ ] Only T-Bills can be sold - [ ] Only T-Bonds can be sold > **Explanation:** Treasuries can be sold on the secondary market prior to maturity. ### What sets Treasury securities apart from municipal bonds? - [ ] Higher returns - [ ] Longer maturity periods - [x] Federal tax treatment - [ ] Backing by private entities > **Explanation:** Treasury securities are subject to federal taxes, whereas many municipal bonds are exempt from federal taxes. ### What defines a Treasury Bill (T-Bill)? - [x] Short-term maturity of one year or less - [ ] Intermediate maturity of two to ten years - [ ] Long-term maturity of 30 years - [ ] Payment of dividends > **Explanation:** Treasury Bills (T-Bills) have a short-term maturity of one year or less. ### Which Treasury security typically offers the longest maturity period? - [ ] T-Notes - [x] T-Bonds - [ ] T-Bills - [ ] Zero-coupon bonds > **Explanation:** Treasury Bonds (T-Bonds) offer the longest maturity period, usually 30 years. ### What is a common use for investing in Treasuries? - [ ] High-risk investing - [x] Capital preservation - [ ] Corporate ownership - [ ] Real estate acquisition > **Explanation:** Treasuries are commonly used for capital preservation due to their safety and reliability. ### How does the interest income from Treasuries get taxed on a state level? - [ ] Subject to high state tax rates - [ ] Subject to local taxes only - [x] Exempt from state and local taxes - [ ] Double taxed by state and federal governments > **Explanation:** Interest income from Treasuries is generally exempt from state and local taxes.

Thank you for exploring the fundamentals of Treasuries with us and testing your knowledge through our detailed quiz. Keep expanding your understanding of financial instruments!