Summary
- How does the Treasury determine the I Bond fixed rate? It’s a mystery.
- A recent surge in 5-year real yields seems to justify an increase in the fixed rate, and 10-year real yields are also rising.
- Most I Bond investors are waiting until November 1 to complete their I Bond allocation for 2017. What are the odds of a higher fixed rate?
Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities 
That's a sensible idea, especially if you fear the chance of prolonged deflation. I tend to use nominals for investments…