Date of Award

Spring 2017

Project

Capstone - Open Access

Major

Mathematics & Economics

First Advisor

Anthony Laramie

Abstract

The goal of this paper is to understand the term structure of interest rates. The term structure of interest rates shows how interest rates on the same assets with different maturities change. The term structure is displayed in what is known as a yield curve. While it is typically upward sloping, the yield curve shifts and changes slope as the economy changes. Looking at the history of yield curve can help predict different phases of the economy over time. During the recent financial crisis, a form of monetary policy, known as quantitative easing (QE), was used to lower long term interest rates. This paper will explore the history, rationale, and opinions on quantitative easing. In addition, for illustrative purposes, data were collected in an attempt to discover a relationship between the yields on one and ten-year treasury bonds.

Included in

Econometrics Commons

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