3-Month Treasury Bill Secondary Market Rate, Discount Basis
Weekly
WTB3MS • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
4.23
Year-over-Year Change
0.24%
Date Range
6/9/2006 - 8/1/2025
Summary
The Weekly 3-Month Treasury Bill Secondary Market Rate (WTB3MS) tracks the average interest rate for 3-month Treasury bills traded in the secondary market. This metric is a critical benchmark for short-term borrowing costs and provides insight into market expectations of monetary policy and 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
This series represents the weekly average yield for 3-month Treasury bills traded after their initial auction in the secondary financial market. Economists and investors closely monitor this rate as a key indicator of short-term credit markets and potential economic trends.
Methodology
The rate is calculated by the Federal Reserve based on actual trading prices of 3-month Treasury bills in the secondary market, reflecting current market dynamics and investor sentiment.
Historical Context
Policymakers, central bankers, and financial analysts use this rate to assess short-term lending conditions, monetary policy effectiveness, and broader economic expectations.
Key Facts
- Represents the average yield for 3-month Treasury bills in secondary trading
- Updated weekly to reflect current market conditions
- Serves as a benchmark for short-term borrowing and investment rates
FAQs
Q: What does the WTB3MS rate indicate?
A: The rate indicates the current market yield for 3-month Treasury bills in secondary trading, reflecting short-term borrowing costs and economic expectations.
Q: How often is the WTB3MS rate updated?
A: The rate is updated weekly by the Federal Reserve, capturing the most recent market trading conditions for 3-month Treasury bills.
Q: Why do investors care about this rate?
A: Investors use this rate to assess short-term investment opportunities, gauge market sentiment, and make informed financial decisions.
Q: How does this rate relate to monetary policy?
A: The rate provides insights into market expectations of Federal Reserve actions and potential changes in monetary policy stance.
Q: What are the limitations of the WTB3MS rate?
A: The rate represents a snapshot of market conditions and can change rapidly based on economic events, investor sentiment, and policy expectations.
Related Trends
Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Weekly [WTB3MS], retrieved from FRED.
Last Checked: 8/1/2025