I-Bond Rate 5/1/17 - 10/31/17

[barrett]

Just thought I'd post this here. The new fixed rate on I-Bonds is .0%. The annualized rate of inflation is 1.96%. Composite rate is, obviously, 1.96%

Here is the link:

https://seekingalpha.com/article/406744 ... _0-percent

I'm not a buyer of I-Bonds for the foreseeable future but I'm always interested to see if the gubmint is trying to market their products.

[boglerdude]

How do they decide on the rate?

[barrett]

How do they decide on the rate?

I would use the link I posted as a starting point. One component is inflation based on the CPI-U, and the other is what's called the fixed rate.

I only keep an eye on the new composite rate because it has a 'ripple back' effect on my inventory of I-Bonds. Using the online Treasury Direct calculator, I can now look as far out as 10/1/17 to see what those bonds will be worth.

[dualstow]

Thanks, Barrett. I was thinking about buying i-Bonds this year. I've been blowing them off for many years now. Can't say I'm tempted by the numbers. Luckily, I have some major home ownership expenses coming up, so I don't have the cash to be bothered with the decision.

[barrett]

Luckily, I have some major home ownership expenses coming up...

That is indeed fortunate, Dualstow!

Seriously, I remember you and I discussing briefly a couple years back about what a great deal I-Bonds were when they first came out. I have some from 2000 and 2001 with fixed rates above 3% that are keepers until they mature. The TIPS I bought around the same time also had a sweet premium above inflation. The good ol' early aughts!

[boglerdude]

Meant how does the gov decide what fixed rate they want/need to pay