Summary
- The lowly EE Savings Bond now offers substantial yield advantages over similarly safe investments of the same term around the world.
- EE Bonds make sense only for investors who can hold them 20 years, creating an effective yield of 3.53%, compounded.
- They can be used as part of a 20-year plan toward a college education or retirement. Avoid them if you can’t be sure of holding them 20 years.
This doesn’t happen often, but in September 2019, a U.S. Savings Bond has become one of the very best bond investments in the world.
Absolutely. TIPS are a big-money investment. Non-competitive bids make up a tiny share of auction purchases.