The yield curve's shape tells you what the bond market expects about growth, inflation, and recession. Learn to trade curve steepeners, flatteners, and inversions. Yield curve signals are most powerful when combined with data from the economic calendar and central bank announcements. For a deeper dive into the macro backdrop, see our macro guides.
Duration measures a bond's price sensitivity to interest rate changes; convexity measures how duration itself changes. Together, they're essential for managing bond portfolio risk. These metrics tie directly into <a href="/academy/macro" class="text-primary hover:underline">macro analysis</a> because central bank rate decisions are the primary driver of duration gains and losses. Check our <a href="/market/yield-curve" class="text-primary hover:underline">yield curve dashboard</a> for real-time rate context, and apply these concepts when selecting <a href="/market/bonds/best-bond-etfs" class="text-primary hover:underline">bond ETFs</a> for your portfolio.
A bond ladder spreads your fixed-income allocation across multiple maturities, reducing interest rate risk while maintaining consistent cash flow and reinvestment opportunities. It is one of the most reliable <a href="/strategies" class="text-primary hover:underline">fixed-income strategies</a> for investors seeking predictable income without timing the market. Model your reinvestment returns with our <a href="/tools/calculators/compound-calculator" class="text-primary hover:underline">compound interest calculator</a> and explore how ladders complement a <a href="/retirement/alternative-ira" class="text-primary hover:underline">tax-advantaged retirement account</a>.