6-Month Treasury Bill Secondary Market Rate, Discount Basis
Monthly
TB6MS • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
4.13
Year-over-Year Change
-17.56%
Date Range
12/1/1958 - 7/1/2025
Summary
The TB6MS series represents the 6-month Treasury bill rate, a key benchmark for short-term borrowing costs in the United States. This metric is crucial for understanding monetary policy, investment strategies, and overall economic conditions.
Analysis & Context
This economic indicator provides valuable insights into current market conditions and economic trends. The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve and represents one of the most reliable sources for economic analysis.
Understanding this metric helps economists, policymakers, and investors make informed decisions about economic conditions and future trends. The interactive chart above allows you to explore historical patterns and identify key trends over time.
About This Dataset
The 6-month Treasury bill rate reflects the yield investors receive for lending money to the U.S. government for a six-month period. Economists and financial analysts closely track this rate as an indicator of market expectations and short-term economic outlook.
Methodology
The rate is calculated through competitive auctions of Treasury securities, with yields determined by supply and demand in the financial markets.
Historical Context
Policymakers and investors use this rate to assess monetary policy effectiveness, investment opportunities, and broader economic trends.
Key Facts
- Represents the yield on 6-month U.S. Treasury bills
- Updated regularly through competitive auctions
- Serves as a benchmark for short-term borrowing costs
FAQs
Q: What does the TB6MS series measure?
A: The TB6MS series measures the 6-month Treasury bill rate, which is the interest rate paid by the U.S. government on short-term debt securities.
Q: How often is this rate updated?
A: The rate is typically updated weekly through Treasury bill auctions, with the data series reflecting these changes monthly.
Q: Why do investors care about the 6-month Treasury bill rate?
A: Investors use this rate to assess short-term investment opportunities and gauge overall economic conditions and monetary policy expectations.
Q: How does this rate impact borrowing costs?
A: The 6-month Treasury bill rate serves as a benchmark for many short-term lending rates, influencing borrowing costs for consumers and businesses.
Q: What are the limitations of this economic indicator?
A: While informative, the rate is just one of many indicators and should be considered alongside other economic data for a comprehensive analysis.
Related Trends
Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Monthly [TB6MS], retrieved from FRED.
Last Checked: 8/1/2025