Subscribe

Money words

Yield

The yearly return an investment pays, shown as a percent. For bonds, yields go up when prices go down.

How “yield” came up in recent issues.

Inflation
When prices rise across the economy, so each dollar buys a little less.
Purchasing power
How much a dollar can buy. Inflation lowers it.
Federal Reserve
The U.S. central bank, often called the Fed. It raises or lowers a key interest rate to keep prices stable and jobs plentiful.
Interest rate
Interest shown as a percent of the amount borrowed or saved, usually per year.
Treasury
A loan you make to the U.S. government. Treasuries are considered one of the safest investments.
Bond
A loan you make to a government or company. It pays you interest and returns your money on a set date.

Tomorrow’s bell-ringer in your inbox before first period: slides, a quiz and a worksheet. Free.