Sales of Savings Bonds Up 24%

Sales of U.S. savings bonds climbed to $646 million in February, 24% ahead of the total a year ago, the government reported today.

The Treasury Department said the sales total last month was the best February performance in nine years and was up sharply from sales of $520 million in February, 1986. The bonds remain popular with consumers, who find in many cases that the bonds offer more attractive interest rates than can be obtained from private financial institutions.