Inflation-Protected Security

Inflation-Protected Security

Also called TIPS. A U.S. Treasury security that protects the bondholder from inflation. Most Treasury securities, like most fixed dollar obligations, pay a fixed coupon rate periodically and mature at par. While this carries low risk, it exposes investors to the possibility that the inflation rate will outpace the interest rate represented on the coupon. In order to protect against this, a Treasury Inflation-Protected Security automatically increases its principal according to the inflation rate as tracked by the Consumer Price Index. Thus, while the coupon rate does not increase, the dollar amount paid does. Because TIPS are so safe, they offer a very low rate of return. See also: Real Return Bond.

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Inflation-protected security (TIPS). US Treasury inflation-protected securities (TIPS) adjust the principal twice a year to reflect inflation or deflation measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

The interest rate is fixed and is paid twice a year on the adjusted principal. So if your principal is larger because of inflation you earn more interest. If it's lower because of deflation, you earn less.

You can buy TIPS with terms of 5, 10, or 20 years at issue using a Treasury Direct account or in the secondary market. At maturity you receive either the adjusted principal or par value, whichever is greater.

You owe federal income tax on the interest you earn and on inflation adjustments in each year they're added even though you don't receive the increases until the security matures. However, TIPS earnings are exempt from state and local income taxes.

These securities provide a safeguard against deflation as well as against inflation since they guarantee that you'll get back no less than par, or face value, at maturity.