FINANCE

T-Bill Rates Mixed: The Treasury sold $10.4 billion of new three-month bills at an average discount rate of 3.86%, up from 3.84% last week. Another $10.4 billion of new six-month bills was sold at an average discount rate of 3.93%, unchanged from last week. The three-month bill rate was the highest since they sold for 3.91% on Dec. 30. The six-month bill rate remained the highest since averaging 4.19% on Dec. 16. The new discount rates understate the actual return to investors--3.96% for three-month bills, with a $10,000 bill selling for $9,902.40, and 4.08% for a six-month bill selling for $9,801.30. The discount rate reflects the price discount received when the securities are purchased at less than face value.