Treasury Bills

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Context

• The Government of India, in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India, hereby notifies the calendar for the issuance of Treasury Bills for the quarter ending June 2024.

What is Treasury Bill?

• The government issues Treasury Bills, commonly known as T Bills, as debt securities to raise capital. These instruments have short-term maturities, typically less than one year, ranging from a few days to one year. The primary objective behind the issuance of Treasury Bills is to meet the government’s short-term funding requirements. 
• Thus, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issues T Bills on behalf of the Government of India. They serve as a means for the government to raise short-term funds to meet its financing needs.

How to Invest in T Bills India?

• RBI typically auctions T Bills, with investors submitting bids indicating the price they are willing to pay for the bills. The issuing authority issues these bills at a price lower than their face value, and investors receive the full face value upon maturity.  
• The return for investors is determined by the difference between the discounted purchase price and the face value received at maturity. Thus, this discounted purchase price represents the interest earned by the investor. The auction process allows the government to efficiently allocate Treasury Bills to investors and determine the market-determined interest rates for these short-term debt instruments.
• Note: The Treasury Bill market can be liquid, meaning that there are always buyers and sellers willing to trade treasury bills.

Why Does the Government Issue Treasury Bills?

• The government issues Treasury Bills as a way to manage its short-term cash flow requirements. Therefore, by issuing these bills, the government can borrow funds from investors for a short period and meet its financial obligations.

How to Calculate the Treasury Bills Returns?

• The return on T Bills is calculated based on the discount at which they are purchased and the face value received at maturity. Thus, the return can be determined using the formula:
• Treasury Bill Return = (Face Value – Purchase Price) / Purchase Price * 100
• This calculation allows investors to assess the percentage return they will earn from investing in Treasury Bills. 

Treasury Bills Example

• Now, let’s understand how to calculate returns on Treasury Bills with the help of an example:
• Suppose an investor purchases a 3-month Treasury bill with a face value of INR 1,000 at a discounted price of INR 980. At the end of the 3 months, the T-bill matures, and the investor receives the full face value of INR 1,000. The return on T Bills investment can be calculated as follows:
• Return on Investment = (Face Value – Purchase Price) / Purchase Price
• 1,000 – Rs. 980) /  980
• = Rs. 20 / Rs. 980 = 0.0204 or 2.04%

Features of Treasury Bills

Here is a list of treasury bills features. 

• Low-Risk Investment Option: Treasury Bills RBI are popular for their low-risk nature, as they are backed by the government. This makes them a suitable choice for conservative investors who prioritize capital preservation.
• Short-Term Maturity and Liquidity: Treasury Bills have relatively short-term maturities, typically ranging from 91 days to 364 days. This allows investors to have quick access to their funds when needed. The high liquidity of T Bills can make them a good option for those seeking flexibility in managing their T Bill investments.
• Regular Income through Interest Payments: Investors in Treasury Bills receive regular income in the form of interest payments. These payments are earned by purchasing the bills at a discount to their face value and receiving the full face value at maturity. Thus, the predictable income stream adds stability to the investment.

Types of Treasury Bills

• In India, the government issues three types of Treasury Bills to meet its short-term financing needs. The types of bills include:

Treasury Bills Maturity Period

• 91-day T-bill: These bills have a maturity period of 91 days and are issued at a discount to their face value. Upon maturity, the holder receives the face value, which represents the interest earned.
• 182-Day T–bills: With a maturity period of 182 days, these bills are also issued at a discount. Similar to the 91-day bills, the holder receives the face value as the return on treasury bills investment at maturity.
• 364-Day T–bills: These bills have the longest maturity period among the three types, lasting for 364 days. Therefore, similar to others, they are issued at a discount and provide interest upon maturity.

Purchasing Treasury Bills

• When it comes to purchasing T-bills, there are a few options available. For retail investors in India, setting up a “Retail Direct Scheme Account” with the RBI allows you to buy Treasury bills. Alternatively, T-bills can be purchased through the stock exchange or the primary market and secondary market.

• Through the Reserve Bank of India: To buy Treasury bills, investors can open an online Retail Direct Gift Account (RDG) with the RBI. These accounts can be linked to your savings account, enabling transactions. It can be purchased through auctions conducted by the RBI at regular intervals.
• Through Primary and Secondary Markets: Government securities, including T-bills, can be bought through the stock exchange, i.e., Primary Market and Secondary Market. To participate, you’ll need a Demat account, which can be opened through a broker or a bank. Once your account is set up, you can engage in trading government and private securities.

Factors Affecting Treasury Bill Prices

Here are some factors that can influence the prices of T Bills:

• T Bills Interest Rate: Changes in T bill rates can have a significant impact on Treasury Bill prices. When treasury bill interest rate rise, the prices of existing T-bills tend to decrease, as investors can find higher-yielding alternatives. Conversely, when treasury bills interest rates decline, their prices tend to increase.
• Economic Conditions: The overall economic conditions, such as inflation levels, economic growth, and unemployment rates, can affect Treasury Bill prices. Inflation expectations, in particular, can impact the demand for T Bills as investors seek to protect their purchasing power.
• Supply and Demand Dynamics: The supply and demand for Treasury Bills in the market can influence their prices. If there is high demand for T Bills relative to their supply, prices may rise. Conversely, if demand is low or there is an oversupply of T Bills, prices may decline.
• Government Policies and Actions: Since Treasury bills are issued by the RBI, on behalf of the Government, its policies and actions can impact Treasury Bill prices. For example, the decisions made by the central bank regarding treasury bills rates or the government’s fiscal policies can affect investor sentiment and, subsequently, Treasury Bill prices.
• Market Sentiment and Investor Confidence: Market sentiment and investor confidence play a role in determining the demand for T Bills. Uncertainties in the market, geopolitical events, or financial crises can influence investor behaviour and affect the pricing of Treasury Bills.

Who Should Consider Investing in Treasury Bills? 

The treasury bills issued by the RBI present an ideal investment opportunity for individuals who:

• Have a low tolerance for risk
• Seek guaranteed returns
• Possess surplus funds with short-term investment goals

• Look for an alternative to fixed deposits (FDs) or liquid funds.
• Treasury Bills Redemption and Taxation
• When it comes to redemption and tax on T Bills and considering their taxation, there are important aspects to keep in mind.

Redemption

• Upon maturity, T Bills are typically redeemed at their face value. This means that the government will repay the investor the full amount initially invested. Unlike other fixed-income investments, T Bills do not pay periodic interest. Instead, investors earn T bills return based on the difference between the purchase price and the face value.

Taxation 

• The tax treatment of Treasury Bills varies based on the tax laws and regulations of each jurisdiction. In many countries, the interest earned from T Bills is subject to taxation. The interest income is generally taxable and investors should report it when filing tax returns. It is advisable to consult with a tax professional or refer to the specific tax guidelines in your country to understand the tax implications of Treasury Bill investments.

Advantages of Treasury Bills

The advantages of government treasury bills or T-bills are as follows: 

• Government-Backed Security: T Bills can be considered one of the safest investments as they are backed by the full faith and credit of the government. This provides reassurance to investors regarding the repayment of principal and interest.
• Risk-Free: T-bills can be considered a popular short-term government scheme issued by the RBI. Hence, investors can enjoy security as they are backed by the central government. 
• High Liquidity: Need cash in a pinch? No problem! T-bills trade easily in secondary markets, providing readily available access to your funds.
• Diversification Tool: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket! T-bills’ low correlation with other assets diversifies your portfolio and adds stability during market dips.
• Non-Competitive Bidding: Treasury Bills are auctioned by the RBI every week to encourage non-competitive bidding. This allows retail and small-scale investors to bid without having to bid the treasury yield rate.

Limitations of Treasury Bills 

• T Bills can be a good investment option for some investors, however, it also carries a few disadvantages. 

• Low Returns: While treasury bills offer secure returns, these gains are minimal. When compared to alternative investment choices, the returns are negligible and may not contribute significantly to achieving your financial objectives.
• Tax Implications: Returns from treasury bills are susceptible to Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG) tax, taxed according to the investor’s applicable slab rate.
• Vulnerability to Inflation: Returns derived from treasury bills may be influenced by inflation, particularly when the rate of return lags behind the inflation rate. This scenario arises when the returns fail to outpace the effects of inflation.

Risks and Considerations of Investing in Treasury Bills

• Along with the benefits, there are some risks of investing in T Bills, including: 

• Low Yields and Potential for Inflation-Eroding Returns: Treasury Bills typically offer low yields compared to other investment options. While they provide a safe and secure investment choice, the returns may not keep pace with inflation over the long term. It’s important to be aware that the purchasing power of your investment may decrease over time.
• Impact of Interest Rate Changes on Treasury Bill prices: Treasury Bills are sensitive to changes in interest rates. If T Bill rates rise, the prices of existing Treasury Bills may decline. This means that if you need to sell your T-bills before maturity, you may experience a loss. Hence, it’s crucial to consider the potential impact of interest rate movements on the value of your investment.
• Tax Implications and Considerations: While T Bills are generally tax-efficient investments, the interest earned on them is subject to federal income tax. However, they are exempt from state and local taxes. Therefore, it’s important to understand the tax implications and consult with a tax advisor to determine the net after-tax returns on your investment.

Treasury Bills vs Treasury Bonds vs Treasury Notes

• When it comes to treasury securities, there are different types that you can consider. Let’s take a look at three popular options: Treasury Bills, Treasury Bonds, and Treasury Notes.

• Treasury Bills (T-bills): These are short-term investments, usually lasting one year or less. They are like IOUs from the government and are sold at a discount to their face value. So, when you buy a T-Bill, you pay less than what it’s actually worth. When the T Bill matures, you get back the full face value. Think of it as buying something on sale and getting the full price when you redeem it.
• Treasury Bonds: If you’re looking for a longer-term investment, Treasury Bonds are a good choice. These bonds have maturities that can range from 10 to 30 years. Unlike T Bills, Treasury Bonds pay regular interest every six months until they reach maturity. So, you not only earn interest on your investment, but you also get the face value of the bond when it matures.
• Treasury Notes: To answer which is T-Bill Notes, one may understand it like a middle ground between T Bills and Treasury Bonds. They have intermediate-term maturities, typically ranging from 2 to 10 years. Just like Treasury Bonds, they also pay regular interest every six months. So, if you want an investment that’s not too short-term or too long-term, Treasury Notes can be a suitable option.

Differences Between T Bills, T Notes, and T Bonds

• Here is a table summarizing the key differences between T-bills, T-notes, and T-bonds:

Security	Maturity	Interest
Treasury Bill	1-12 months	Discounted to face value
Treasury Note	2-10 years	Semiannual interest payments
Treasury Bond	20-30 years	Semiannual interest payments

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Which of the following government securities is not characterized by semiannual interest payments and has a maturity period ranging from 20 to 30 years? a) Treasury Bill b) Treasury Note c) Treasury Bond d) None of the above Correct Answer: a) Treasury Bill