Savings Bond Rate to Change Nov. 1:...

Savings Bond Rate to Change Nov. 1: Investors who have bought savings bonds in recent months should brace for some bad news Nov. 1, when the Treasury Department announces a new rate for its six-month bonds. The new rate is expected to fall to about 5.25%, down from a rate of 5.58% in effect since May 1. Investors who hold their bonds for at least five years are guaranteed either the average of those six-month rates or 6%, whichever is higher. In the 12 months ending Sept. 30, sales of savings bonds totaled $13.59 billion--an amount 48% higher than the previous year and the largest total sold since 1945. The government adjusts the rate on savings bonds twice a year.