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304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
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Government bonds offer a low-risk investment option. While their gains may not match higher-risk assets like stocks, they can diversify your portfolio and provide a steady income stream. Treasury bonds and Treasury bills are both debt securities available through the federal government, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a comparison to help you choose the right option for your needs.
Treasury bills, or T-bills, are short-term bonds with terms ranging from four weeks to one year. They offer a fixed interest rate paid upon maturity. T-bills are sold at a discount to their face value, which is the amount you receive when the bill matures. Auctions for T-bills occur weekly for terms under a year and every four weeks for 52-week bills.
Treasury bonds (T-bonds) are designed for long-term investing, with terms of 20 or 30 years. They pay interest every six months at a fixed rate. As of November 2023, the interest rate on both 20- and 30-year T-bonds was 4.75%. T-bonds can be purchased via auction through TreasuryDirect.gov, banks, brokers, or dealers. Auctions occur four times a year for original issues and eight times a year for reopenings.
Treasury Bonds | Treasury Bills | |
---|---|---|
Best for | Long-term investing | Short-term investing |
Time to maturity | 20 or 30 years | Four weeks to one year |
Interest payment schedule | Fixed payments every six months | Fixed payment when the bill matures |
Tax treatment | Federal income tax due annually; exempt from state and local taxes | Interest subject to federal income tax; exempt from state and local taxes |
Risk level | Low | Low |
Both Treasury bonds and Treasury bills are low-risk debt securities issued by the federal government. T-bonds are suited for long-term investing, while T-bills are better for short-term needs. Both can diversify your portfolio and offer tax benefits. The right choice depends on your investment timeline and financial goals. Remember, stock investing, though riskier, is often necessary for long-term growth.
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