Summary
- Real yields have declined sharply in recent days, dropping the 5-year yield to 0.03%.
- When the 5-year TIPS yield approaches zero, I Bonds and bank CDs become attractive alternatives.
- Inflation expectations have been declining over the last month, even as demand for TIPS rises.
The U.S. Treasury on April 20 will auction $16 billion in a new 5-year Treasury Inflation-Protected Security (CUSIP 912828X39). The coupon rate and real yield to maturity (after inflation) will be determined at the close of the auction.
Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities 
NOT a good deal. I’m gonna pass on this one!!
With a current yield of -0.18%, 5 year TIPS are dogs right now. A month ago, it was flirting with zero. I was hoping that it would be in positive territory by now. Nope. So, this is another auction that I’ll have to pass on.
Back in 12/14, these were yielding nearly 0.4%. Due to deflation, the adjusted principal value has only gone up a little over 1%. I’m getting more than that in an IRA savings account. I love the concept of inflation adjusted bonds, but the reality of the matter is that they are poor investments.
Even though inflation projections are fairly tame, in a five year period it could be higher than Fed goal. I will be maxing out my Ibonds, so this purchase would be after Ibond allotment. I like the inflation protection that I will be getting even though rates are low. Am I wrong?