FINANCE

Treasury Bill Rates Fall Again: The Treasury Department sold $12.14 billion of new three-month bills at an average discount rate of 3.07%, down from 3.15% last week. An additional $12.03 billion of new six-month bills were sold at an average discount rate of 3.19%, down from 3.28% last week. The three-month bill rate was the lowest since they sold for 3.05% on Nov. 2. The six-month bill rate was the lowest since they averaged 3.10% on Oct. 19. The new discount rates understate the actual return to investors--3.14% for three-month bills, with a $10,000 bill selling for $9,922.40, and 3.29% for a six-month bill selling for $9,838.70. The discount rate reflects the price discount received when government securities are purchased at less than face value.