In “normal” times, central banks try to stimulate (or cool down) the economy by cutting or raising short-term interest rates, and thus wider borrowing costs. But since the 2008 financial crisis interest rates across the developed world have been stuck at near-0%. So central banks have experimented with more extreme monetary policies, such as quantitative easing (QE – printing money to buy government bonds and other assets). “Yield-curve control” is one such policy.
A yield curve compares the yields on bonds with the same credit quality across lengthening maturities. So the Treasury yield curve shows how interest rates on US government debt change as the repayment date gets further away. A healthy yield curve slopes upwards from left to right – bonds with longer maturities yield more than short-term ones. That makes sense, because in normal circumstances you expect to get paid more to wait for your money.
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
-
What will be the consequences of Donald Trump’s "One Big Beautiful Bill"?The US president’s "One Big Beautiful Bill", an extraordinary mix of tax cuts and spending plans, has made it through both houses of the US Congress. What will be the consequences?
-
'Labour’s next bright idea is a wealth tax – but it won't work'Opinion A wealth tax will make Britain poorer and accelerate the exodus of the wealthy, says Matthew Lynn.
