Summary
- Bank CD rates are finally climbing toward reasonable levels. How long has it been since we have seen 3% for a 3-year term?
- But across most short-term maturities, U.S. Treasurys offer better yields, ultimate safety and freedom from state income taxes.
- Bond funds are taking a hit as rates rise. Investing in U.S. Treasurys with a buy-and-hold strategy is a safer way to respond to rising risk.

One oddity of TreasuryDirect is that it will always list opening and reopening purchases of same TIPS separately, even when…