Series 65: 2.11.2 Treasury Notes And Bonds

2.11.2  Treasury Notes and Bonds

Treasury notes are coupon bonds with maturities that range from 2 to 10 years. They are issued in denominations of $100 to $5 million and pay interest semiannually (twice a year). Treasury notes are non-callable, guaranteeing the holder the stated yield to maturity.

Treasury bonds are coupon-paying securities with maturities that range from 10 to 30 years. Like Treasury notes, they are issued in denominations that range from $100 to $5 million and pay interest semiannually. Unlike Treasury notes, however, Treasury bonds may have a call feature. Prior to 1985, the Treasury issued bonds with a 5- or 10-year call feature, and while it has not issued any more of these since, it is not precluded from doing so in the future.

The 30-year bond is often called the “long bond” by traders because it has the longest maturity of any government bond. It serves as a benchmark of long-term financing in the U.S. and an indicator of the direction of interest rates.