Author Archives: Tipswatch

Summary 12-month core inflation rose to 2.4%, the highest number since September 2008. Non-seasonally adjusted inflation was essentially flat, meaning minimal principal increases for TIPS and little change in the six-month total that will reset the I Bond’s variable rate. … Continue reading →

Summary Real yields are out of balance with historical norms. A 5-year TIPS is yielding only 13 basis points less than a 30-year TIPS. Are we heading toward a recession? Would TIPS mutual funds benefit? Possibly, if the Federal Reserves … Continue reading →

Summary The year-over-year increase in CPI-W was 3.1% in June, higher than overall ‘headline’ inflation measured by CPI-U. Inflation measured by CPI-W in July, August and September will be averaged and compared to 2017 to determine the Social Security COLA … Continue reading →

Summary Even after rising in recent months, short-term interest rates remain below the level suggested by an inflation rate of 2.9% and relatively strong economic growth. A more reasonable Federal Funds Rate would be in the range of 3.25% to … Continue reading →

Summary Today’s result broke a string of 42 consecutive TIPS auctions of the 9- to 10-year term with a coupon rate below 0.75%. The actual real yield to maturity was 0.762%, slightly lower than expected, indicating good demand. But the … Continue reading →