Yield curve

The yield curve is a curve that plots interest rates over different maturity times for bonds having otherwise equivalent characteristics. Equivalently for commodities, a curve that plots the forward prices (that is, prices for commodities with differing future delivery dates) is called a forward curve. A commodities forward curve that is upward sloping is said to be in contango and a foward curve that is downward sloping is said to be in normal backwardation and is considered to be an inverted market. Similar to a commodity that is in contango, an upward sloping yield curve is called a normal yield curve or positive yield curve. Simililar to a commodity that is in normal backwardation, a downward sloping yield curve is called an inverted yield curve. A yield curve indicating short term interest rates and long term interest rates as equal for otherwise equivalent bonds is called a flat yield curve.