The Treasury sold $6.4 billion in new...

The Treasury sold $6.4 billion in new three-month bills at an average discount rate of 5.81%, up from 5.49% last week. Another $6.4 billion was sold in new six-month bills at an average discount rate of 6.42%, up from 6.12% last week. The rates were the highest since three-month bills sold for 6.01% on Nov. 16 and six-month bills averaged 7.21% on Oct. 19. The new discount rates understate the actual return to investors--6% for three-month bills, with a $10,000 bill selling for $9,853.10, and 6.75% for six-month bills selling for $9,675.40. The discount rate reflects the price discount received when government securities are purchased at less than face value.