Yield Curve Shapes

Yield-curve shape pages explain the visible patterns analysts use when reading rate expectations, recession signals, and bond-market pricing.

This subsection focuses on curve geometry rather than the theories used to explain it.

In this section

• Flat Yield Curve
  Yield-curve shape in which short- and long-maturity bonds offer similar yields, often signaling transition or uncertainty.
• Humped Yield Curve
  Yield-curve shape in which intermediate maturities yield more than both short and long maturities.
• Inverted Yield Curve
  Yield-curve shape in which shorter maturities yield more than longer maturities, often interpreted as a slowdown warning.
• Normal Yield Curve
  Upward-sloping yield curve in which longer maturities offer higher yields than shorter maturities of similar credit quality.