Yield Curve

The Yield Curve is a line that plots yields of bonds having equal credit quality, but differing maturity dates.

Different shapes

 * Normal Yield Curve
 * Flat Yield Curve
 * Inverted Yield Curve, where short-term interest rates are higher than longer term rates. It was the case in the US in years 2000 and 2007 before sharp falls of stock markets.